South Korea makes Asian Games complaint over Japan warlord ceremony
South Korea has filed a formal complaint against Asian Games organizers for featuring a Japanese warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, during a welcoming ceremony. The incident has reignited historical tensions related to Japan's colonial rule over Korea.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the persistent sensitivity of historical grievances between South Korea and Japan, which continue to impact modern diplomatic and cultural relations.
South Korea's Olympic committee said on Friday (September 18, 2026) it filed a complaint with Asian Games organisers in Nagoya for featuring a Japanese warlord at a welcoming ceremony.
The event on Tuesday included a person dressed as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who led Japan's invasions of Korea in 1592-1598, and the ceremony prompted a backlash in South Korea.
Historical issues are sensitive between South Korea and Japan, with Hideyoshi's invasion a significant episode in Korean history and Korea later under Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.
Three Japanese warlord characters were present for the arrival of a cruise ship in Nagoya that will serve as a floating hotel for thousands of Games athletes.
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