Torch Relay for 2026 Asian Games Begins at Nagoya Castle

The torch relay for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 officially began on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Nagoya Castle’s Ni-no-maru Square in Nagoya, Japan, according to reports from The Yomiuri Shimbun and Xinhua. Three-time Olympic women’s wrestling gold medalist Saori Yoshida carried the flame on its opening leg away from the historic castle grounds, kicking off a series of events leading up to the games scheduled to start on September 19, 2026.

Yoshida ran through the grounds of Nagoya Castle in Naka Ward holding the torch, marking the start of a route that will see about 1,000 runners carry the flame across 40 municipalities in Aichi Prefecture, where the majority of competitions will take place.

“I hope the passion of the runners gives energy to all the athletes who are taking part,” Yoshida said before setting off, as reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun. Xinhua noted that Yoshida also stated the continental event holds special memories for her after competing at four Asian Games and winning gold.

Flame-Lighting Ceremony Details

Prior to the relay launch, a ceremony brought together three separate flames collected from different regions of Japan. Former Japan women’s soccer player Homare Sawa appeared on stage with a flame lit at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on August 18, 2026, according to Xinhua. Former professional tennis player Kimiko Date joined her with a flame kindled in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park two days later.

To complete the triad, Takeru Goto—a member of the boy band INI and an official ambassador for the Games—generated a new flame by holding a torch to a concave mirror at Nagoya Castle. Goto then brought all three fires together to create the official Games flame used for the relay.

Following the opening ceremony, the flame was handed to local torchbearers to travel through central Nagoya. Saturday’s route took runners through Meijo Park, Hisaya-odori Park, the Oasis 21 complex, and the Nakagawa Canal.

Relay Route and Historical Context

According to Xinhua, the flame will be divided following the opening-day relay to travel along two separate routes across Aichi Prefecture. Approximately 1,000 torchbearers, comprising members of the public and prominent figures, will carry the flame through 40 local government areas and various schools.

The relay will conclude the day before the opening ceremony when the flame arrives at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on September 19, 2026. Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time in history, following previous editions in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.

The 20th Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026, featuring 43 sports and athletes representing 45 countries and regions across Asia.