Aichi Prefecture Governor Announces Bid For 2026 Asian Games

Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Omura said that the region "will bid to host the 2026 Asian Games, with Nagoya expected to be the main venue," according to KYODO. If Aichi lands the 20th edition of the event known as Asiad, "it will be the third time Japan will play host." The Aichi Prefectural Government "plans to choose and arrange sports fields and other facilities in fiscal 2016 and submit an application to the Japanese Olympic Committee to host the event" (KYODO, 1/4).

JAPAN PREP: REUTERS' Patrick Johnston wrote Japan's reputation as host "has been hit by problematic preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games, where costs have massively escalated, stadium designs scrapped and construction delay amid public outcry." Japan's first-ever staging of the 2019 Rugby World Cup "has also caused concerns with construction delays forcing a change in venue for the tournament final." The Olympic Council of Asia "will decide upon the hosts of the 2026 Asian Games" in '18 (REUTERS, 1/4).