Organisers of the 2026 Asian Games are preparing for possible weather disruptions after Tropical Storm Dujuan moved towards central Japan, with the storm potentially affecting Nagoya during the opening days of the competition.
The 20th Asian Games officially open in Aichi-Nagoya on Sept 19, although several events, including football, basketball and volleyball, have already begun.
As of Sept 17, Dujuan was located off Japan’s Pacific coast and moving northwest towards central Japan. The storm had maximum sustained winds of about 90 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 126 kilometres per hour.
Japan’s chef de mission for the Games, Kosei Inoue, said organisers were monitoring the situation closely and preparing for possible disruptions. Some competitions had already experienced delays or postponements because of severe weather.
Forecasts indicated that the storm could approach the Aichi-Nagoya area around Sept 21, potentially affecting transport, venues and competition schedules during the early stages of the Games.
The possible typhoon comes shortly after record rainfall caused disruption in Nagoya and surrounding areas. Hundreds of athletes were temporarily evacuated from accommodation earlier in September after intense rainfall triggered warnings in parts of the region.
The heavy rain also disrupted public transport and affected some competition venues, adding to logistical challenges for organisers ahead of the Games.
Japan’s Olympic Committee has been holding meetings to prepare contingency measures in case the storm affects competition or athlete movements. Organisers may need to adjust schedules depending on the storm’s track and intensity.
The Asian Games are expected to bring around 17,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions to Japan. Competitions are being held across Aichi Prefecture and at selected venues elsewhere in the country.
Weather-related disruptions could affect not only outdoor events but also transportation between accommodation sites and competition venues. Organisers are therefore monitoring forecasts and local conditions as the Games approach.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency forecast cloudy conditions around Nagoya in the days ahead, with a chance of rain increasing around Sept 20 and 21 as the weather system approaches.
The organisers have advised visitors and spectators to check the latest information because event schedules and access arrangements may change depending on conditions.
With the opening ceremony scheduled for Sept 19, attention is now focused on the storm’s development and whether Dujuan will bring significant disruption to the first week of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
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