Join WhatsApp Channel
Raincoats and umbrellas have become a common sight in Nagoya, Gifu and other cities hosting the Aichi 2026 Asian Games. Persistent rain has disrupted outdoor events, with several competitions canceled or abandoned.
Organizers have made umbrellas available at outdoor venues, and some taxi drivers also keep them in their vehicles for passengers. One driver said he had given away 10 umbrellas and did not expect them to be returned.
“It does not cost much to get a simple see-through umbrella, which is being widely used in Nagoya and other cities. Though rain is common, this time of year is considered the best part of the year, with little to moderate rain,” the driver said. “I do not expect them back.”
Five cricket matches, including all the quarterfinals, have been canceled or abandoned because of the rain. Temperatures have generally been two to four degrees cooler than usual for this time of year. The weather has also affected other outdoor competitions, including track and field and softball.
Away from the venues, the Games have brought visitors into contact with members of the South Asian community living and working in Japan. On a train to Nagoya, we met Raghav, a research scholar from Thrissur, Kerala, who now lives in Osaka. He completed a doctorate in quantum mechanics there and works as a research associate at a private university.
“For the past few days, I have been on holiday to watch the Asian Games. My interest is in individual events. The other day, I saw Indian shot putters Tajinderpal Singh Sidhu and Manpreet Kaur winning medals in their respective events. After watching gymnastics, swimming, and some other events, I will go back to Osaka,” Raghav said.
“At Osaka University, there are about 50 Indian students, while at my university, I am the only one,” he said. Raghav added that he has grown fond of Japan and described its people as disciplined and respectful. He said there are Indian restaurants in Osaka and Nagoya, many of them run by Nepalese owners.
While looking for a media shuttle to the hockey venue in Gifu, we also met Zishan Khan, a Pakistani engineer working for a French events company. Khan said his family’s ties to India have shaped his feelings toward both countries.
“My grandmother moved from Bhopal in India to Pakistan in 1960. Our family continued to visit India for many years. My father always enjoyed cordial relations with Sikhs. I come from the Chitral area, and we know many Sikhs in Peshawar,” Khan said.
Khan was hired for the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games and has worked at venues hosting football matches.
