Asian Games 2026: One Asia, one heart as continental extravaganza begins

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An image from the opening ceremony of the Asian Games at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya on September 19, 2026. | Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

Games with a Heart. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games opening ceremony left no one in doubt on what the city and the organisers were aiming at at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium here on Saturday (September 19, 2026), the heart in all its myriad symbolism pervading every aspect of the event.

Throughout the approximately 110-minute presentation, the repeated emphasis on heart, collectively, unity and oneness was unmissable, right from the heart-shaped, inclined stage in the middle of the field to the placards carrying the teams’ names during the athletes parade. Even the outfits for performers accompanying violinist and composer Taro Hakase during his recital were heart-shaped, as were the ‘angel drones’ dressed up in flowing fabric, invoking the diversity and solidarity of Asian countries.

The Japanese dancers performing during the Opening ceremony of the Asian Games at the Mizuho stadium in Japan on September 19, 2026. | Photo Credit: R. V. Moorthy

“This giant heart, being born from a fusion of diverse artists, performers, visuals, stage mechanisms, and systems, is sure to become a message originating in Aichi-Nagoya that spreads to Asia and even to the entire world. People around the globe will relate to and connect with each other through joy and friendship,” chief creative director Yukihiko Tsutsumi said in a statement.

He didn’t need to spell it out. Everything in front of the packed stands of the completely rebuilt, rechristened 35,000 capacity Paloma Mizuho Stadium that was formally opened only in April made it amply clear that the city was keen on showcasing itself as a centre for hospitality, culture and performing arts, the opening ceremony’s design concept itself titled ‘Harmonic Heart Beat’. Even the cauldron that was lit at the end of the ceremony was heart-shaped to depict one Asia, one heart, hammer throw legend Shigenobu Murofushi, accompanied by his Olympic champion son Koji Murofushi, doing the honours.

Kabaddi captain Pawan Sehrawat and shooter Manu Bhaker lead the Indian contingent during the march past. | Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

Host Japan’s entry during the parade of nations expectedly drew the loudest cheers, matched only by the welcome for the royal family, with Emperor Naruhito formally declaring the Games open. Earlier, the pre-show that started at 4 p.m. included performances by artists from the Shigo Bonote Preservation Society and the INI Music Group.

With the Nagoya Castle at its centre, the ‘Heart Beat of Tradition’ had performances by kabuki artists before the past made way to the present and future, the inevitability of Aichi-Nagoya’s industrial might too big to be ignored even in the midst of all the heart on display.