Japan is known for world-class events - but the Asian Games were chaotic37 minutes agoKurumi Mori,Tokyo correspondentandIssey Izumi
Getty Images A man and four women in shiny pink-gold traditional-style robes stand under bright stage lighting, holding decorative gold props - part of a performance at the Asian Games 2026 closing ceremonyGetty Images

From the Olympics to Tokyo's annual video game convention, Japan has a strong track record of hosting major international events. But this year's Asian Games in Nagoya and the wider Aichi Prefecture were marred by problems.

There were diplomatic blunders, transport errors and accommodation chaos. In comment fields online, some branded it the "worst Games in history" and urged a "full investigation".