Japanese Olympic body chief admits to problems in Asian Games but says 'that is not whole story’
Japanese Olympic Committee chief Seiko Hashimoto acknowledged logistical failures at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games but defended the event's overall value. She suggested that the cost-cutting measures, while problematic, provided a new model for hosting future international competitions.
Why it matters
The challenges faced by the Aichi-Nagoya Games highlight the tension between sustainable, low-cost event hosting and the high standards expected for international athletic competitions.
Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief Seiko Hashimoto on Saturday (October 3, 2026) that “there were many problems” that marred the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and so many things could have been done better in retrospect but insisted that the harsh criticisms do not represent the whole picture and there were positive aspects of the Games.
Logistical chaos due to a cost-cutting decision to scrap a traditional Athletes' Village, cramped lodgings and transport hassles marred the the Games, which officially began on September 19 and will end on Sunday (October 4, 2026).
“It is also true that there were many problems, although we also heard people say living aboard the cruise ship was a very good experience, with extremely good food — not only the Japanese food — and hospitality, including that from the volunteers,” Hashimoto said.
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