Nagoya, Japan, May 2, 2026: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee took the opportunity of a parade to celebrate Japan’s winter sports stars to promote the 2026 Asiad in Tokyo.
Around 50,000 sports fans watched the “Team Japan Support Appreciation Parade” of Japanese Winter Olympians and Paralympians from Milano Cortina 2026 – and also saw the banner to promote the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya city and Aichi prefecture from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
The parade was organised by the Japanese Olympic Committee and Japanese Paralympic Committee, and JOC President Seiko Hashimoto – a seven-time Olympian in the winter and summer Games - and JOC Executive Board member Mikako Kotani were both keen to promote the 20th Asian Games.
“Approximately 50,000 people attended the event, and the venue was filled with excitement as athletes appeared to loud cheers from the crowd lining the streets,” AINAGOC reported.
“Through this highly visible opportunity, we promoted the appeal of the Asian Games and helped build momentum toward their successful hosting.”
AINAGOC was represented by three members of the Athletes Committee: two-time Olympic judo champion Ayumi Tanimoto, four-time Olympic swimmer Takeshi Matsuda, who won one silver and three bronze medals, and three-time Paralympic Games participant Hiroyuki Misaka. They all shared their passion for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games.
“We will continue to actively promote the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games as we look ahead to the Games,” AINAGOC said.
