Preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan are reportedly progressing “smoothly,” according to the chairman of the local organizing committee.

This statement comes amid reports that the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has expressed dissatisfaction with the preparations in Nagoya and the surrounding Aichi Prefecture, alleging that organizers are not adhering to the host city contract.

Aichi governor Hideaki Omura, who also chairs the organizing committee, reassured reporters that the preparations are on schedule. “We are taking this in a calm manner and my understanding is that preparations are progressing smoothly,” he stated.

However, Japanese media reports indicated that the OCA has demanded improvements in several key areas, including the accommodation and transportation arrangements for athletes and teams. The 2026 Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, are expected to attract around 15,000 athletes, surpassing the number typically seen at the Olympics.

Concerns have been raised regarding the accommodation plans, which reportedly involve housing athletes in container units and on a cruise ship. An organizing committee spokesman confirmed that they are addressing feedback received during a coordinating committee meeting in September and are in regular communication with the OCA.

The previous Asian Games took place in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, having been postponed a year due to the pandemic.

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