Nagoya, 19 Sep 2026 – The 20th Asian Games officially opened at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, with a colourful ceremony celebrating Japanese culture before the Asian Games flame was lit to mark the beginning of 16 days of competition.
Under the theme “Heartbeat heart beat,” the opening ceremony began at 4 p.m. Vietnam time and lasted approximately two hours, bringing together athletes and officials from 45 participating delegations.
The ceremony opened with dozens of performers dressed in red and white filling the Paloma Mizuho Stadium with an energetic performance. They later formed the word “Welcome” on the field to greet the participating delegations.
Music played a central role throughout the show, with renowned violinist Taro Hakase delivering an emotional performance accompanied by a 360-degree lighting system, LED displays and aerial performances.
Alongside the modern technology, the organizers devoted a significant part of the ceremony to showcasing Japan’s traditional cultural heritage.
One of the highlights was a Kagura performance, a form of ceremonial dance associated with Japan’s Shinto tradition. Performers wearing distinctive masks and elaborate costumes with wide sleeves brought stories from Japanese mythology to life inside the stadium.
The ceremony also incorporated elements closely associated with Aichi Prefecture.
Toyota’s autonomous electric e-Palette vehicle made an appearance before introducing Honohon, the official mascot of ASIAD 2026, to cheers from the crowd.
Honohon was inspired by the shachihoko, a mythical creature featuring the body of a fish and the head of a tiger that is commonly seen decorating the roofs of traditional Japanese buildings.
Following the cultural performances, the ceremony moved into its formal proceedings, including the parade of participating delegations, the raising of Japan’s national flag and the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Vietnam entered the stadium among the later delegations in the parade.
Vietnam U23 centre-back Dinh Quang Kiet and women’s volleyball player Le Thanh Thuy were given the honour of carrying the Vietnamese national flag.
The pair smiled and proudly waved the flag as they led the Vietnamese delegation through Paloma Mizuho Stadium, creating one of the most memorable moments of the evening for the country’s athletes.
Aichi Governor and organizing committee chairman Hideaki Omura and OCA President Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani delivered welcoming remarks before Emperor Naruhito officially declared the 20th Asian Games open.
Attention then turned to the most anticipated moment of the ceremony — the lighting of the Asian Games cauldron.
The torch was carried by several Japanese athletes before reaching former hammer throwers Shigenobu Murofushi and Koji Murofushi, who performed the final lighting ceremony together.
As the ASIAD 2026 flame came to life, Taro Hakase’s violin music echoed around Paloma Mizuho Stadium, providing a dramatic conclusion to the formal opening of the Games.
Unlike many major sporting ceremonies, the evening ended without a fireworks display. Instead, performers gathered on the field and faced the stands as they received applause and cheers from the spectators.
The ceremony concluded at around 6 p.m. Vietnam time.
Vietnam have sent 349 athletes to ASIAD 2026, competing across a wide range of sports with a target of winning at least four gold medals.
With the Asian Games flame now burning in Nagoya, the main competition programme continues from September 20, with athletes from across the continent battling for medals until the Games conclude on October 4.
VSN/RPT
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