Nagoya, Japan, September 15, 2026: The Asian Games torch relay is working its way round Aichi Prefecture in time for the grand opening ceremony in Nagoya on Saturday, September 19.
The torch relay began at Nagoya Castle on August 22 following flame-lighting ceremonies at Japan’s previous Asian Games host cities – Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
Three-time Olympic wrestling champion Saori Yoshida was the first of 1,000 torchbearers taking the torch around all 40 municipalities of Aichi Prefecture and 16 wards of Nagoya City, with the relay also incorporating a school relay from September 7-15 in 14 schools.
The latest stop on the torch relay was Gamagori City, where 13 runners connected the torch.
“It was a wonderful day when the smiles and energy of Gamagori came together as one. Thank you so much for your support despite the rainy weather,” organising committee AINAGOC posted.
The torch relay will conclude at Hisaya-odori Park in central Nagoya City on Friday, September 18 – one day before the cauldron lighting ceremony at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on the evening of Saturday, September 19.
