Nagoya, Japan, September 6, 2026: Actress, professional cosplayer and fashion model Nashiko Momotsuki brought a touch of glamour to the torch relay for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Momotsuki, 30, has been appointed tourism ambassador for her hometown of Toyohashi – so there was no better person to lead off the latest leg of the torch relay in Toyohashi City in Aichi Prefecture.
“A star-studded lineup of runners raced through Toyohashi in the morning,” reports AINAGOC.
“Starting with first runner Nashiko Momotsuki, a native of Toyohashi, followed by Ryuji Kashiwabara, Kumiko Ogura and other prominent figures from various fields - all carrying the torch,” added the post.
Long-distance runner Kashiwabara specializes in the 10,000 metres and 30km, while Ogura represented Japan in badminton at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
“Wrapped in warm applause and cheers from the roadside, it was the perfect way to start the morning,” AINAGOC added. “Thank you so much for your support.”
The torch relay began at Nagoya Castle on August 22 and will travel through all 40 municipalities of Aichi Prefecture and 16 wards of Nagoya City before it concludes on September 18 – the day before the Asian Games opening ceremony at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
The torch relay will incorporate a school relay from September 7-15 in 14 schools.
