Nagoya abuzz with preparations to welcome Asian Games visitors

As the Asian Games approach in less than a month, Nagoya's businesses and local authorities are ramping up preparations to accommodate spectators from Japan and abroad. The Osu shopping district, located in the heart of Nagoya's capital city, Aichi Prefecture, is abuzz with plans to ensure a warm welcome for visitors from September 19th to October 4th.

Special events like a cosplay parade at the shopping arcade and a photo spot modeled on a medal podium are being organized to cater to the estimated 70,000 to 80,000 weekend and holiday visitors.

Shoji Hotta, head of the shopping district's association, expressed the desire to further enhance efforts to welcome international visitors. The association plans to decorate the covered arcade with flags representing participating countries and regions, with visitor numbers expected to surge to between 120,000 and 140,000 daily during the games.

Nagoya is also focusing on improving the environment, launching a project in July to enhance water quality in the Horikawa River in the city center. To support tourists, about 1,200 supporters have been recruited to provide tourist information and assistance during the global sporting event. Since September, the Nagoya Marriott Association Hotel, connected to JR Nagoya Station, has conducted monthly training sessions to help employees assist foreign visitors and people with disabilities, boosting their confidence in providing service.

To encourage broader audiences, the Aichi prefectural government will allow some students to attend both the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games from October 18th to 24th, granting them up to two days of attendance without being marked absent.