Nagoya, Japan: A large crowd gathered in Nagoya on Saturday to watch Japanese fighter jets' aerobatic display marking the opening of the 2026 Asian Games.
Six fighter jets from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) aerobatic squadron, nicknamed the Blue Impulse, flew past the landmark of Nagoya’s TV Tower and drew a heart over a clear sky in the capital.
"I was really moved to be able to see it (aerobatics) today. The weather was great, too. I really hope all the athletes do their best here in Nagoya,” said 55-year-old Koki Ikeda who came to watch the aerobatics with his wife and their pet parrot.
Five years after the Tokyo Olympics unfolded to empty stadiums, the Asian Games offer Japan another chance to throw open the gates to fans and enjoy a major multi-sport event with a proper atmosphere.
However, before the Games finally open on Saturday (September 19), it has been a low-key mood among some locals.
“When Tokyo hosted the Olympics, it was a nationwide event. With the Asian Games being held here in Nagoya, I feel there hasn’t been quite as much excitement,” said 56-year-old Homare Takeda who plans to go watching cricket.
“But the TV broadcast starts today, so I think the Games will really start spreading excitement across the country,” he added.