Nagoya, Japan, July 14, 2024: The mascot of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in 2026 has been given a name – HONOHON.
The catchy name was revealed at the debut appearance of the mascot on Sunday and comes from the word “honoho” – an old-style way of saying “flame”.
It means that the mascot will stand tall and shine brightly as Nagoya city and Aichi prefecture prepares to host the 20th Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
The mascot’s debut appearance came at KITTE Nagoya shopping and restaurant complex in the city centre on Sunday morning.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC) also used the occasion to introduce the mascot escort kids, who will accompany Honohon on official public engagements.
The mascot character which became Honohon was chosen from a shortlist of three finalists last month and will assist in the promotion of the 20th Asian Games.
