Nagoya, Japan, January 9, 2025: Asian Games mascot Honohon took part in the cherished Japanese tradition known as Kagami Biraki along with beach volleyball players on Wednesday, January 8.
The Kagami Biraki ceremony, meaning "opening the mirror", symbolizes breaking through barriers, embracing new beginnings and fostering unity within a community. Anchored in the act of ceremonially opening a sake barrel, Kagami Biraki epitomizes the joyous spirit that pervades Japanese celebrations.
The ceremony took place at Myofukuji Temple in Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture, where the beach volleyball competition of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is due to take place at Hekinan Ryokuchi beach court.
Honohon showed off his volleyball skills and was joined by players of the Toyota Motor Corporation beach volleyball team along with Mr. Shunichi Kawai, who serves as an executive advisor. They prayed for a successful year ahead.
Asian Games organising committee AINAGOC took the opportunity to promote the Asian Games in Hekinan City and invited local citizens to participate as volunteers. Volunteer recruitment is open until April 30, 2025.
