Fans missing? Japan hopes for atmosphere at Aichi-Nagoya Games

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games present Japan with a second opportunity to host a major multi-sport event with enthusiastic crowds, a stark contrast to the spectator-less Tokyo Olympics five years prior. However, just before Saturday's opening ceremony, a sense of apathy pervades Nagoya, with many locals expressing little awareness or interest in the ongoing Games. Athletes and organizers, however, are keen to foster a strong sporting atmosphere, recalling the missed chance for Japanese citizens to directly experience the Olympic energy on home soil.

Despite early starts for some sports like soccer and basketball, and visible promotional efforts in Nagoya's city center, the event has struggled to capture attention, even in Tokyo. Many residents and even tourist information staff in the capital were surprised to learn the Games were underway and involved events in their city. Organizers hope that as the Aichi-Nagoya Games progress, particularly if Japanese athletes achieve success, public engagement will increase, providing the communal spirit denied during the pandemic-affected Olympics. Ticket sales have reportedly been slow for numerous competitions, yet athletes emphasize the importance of live attendance for the public to connect with the sporting spectacle.