Cruise ships, container huts and hotels: Japan races to house 17,000 Asian Games participants

The 2023 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, are set to host 17,000 athletes and officials, presenting logistical challenges in accommodation. Initially, organizers anticipated 15,000 participants, but the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) recently reported a higher number, potentially straining available resources. Japan's Kyodo news agency announced that the local organizing committee has contacted the OCA to discuss the surge in numbers.

The committee has opted for temporary accommodations, utilizing a cruise ship, wooden container-style huts, and hotels to host the athletes. The Italian cruise ship "Costa Serena" will host between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes, featuring 571 cabins, seven swimming pools, eight restaurants, and nine bars. An additional 2,000 athletes and officials will reside in wooden shipping container-style huts in Nagoya's Garden Pier area.

The remaining participants will stay in hotels, including those in Tokyo, where swimming, diving, and equestrian events will be held. Organizers have not commented on the discussions with the OCA, emphasizing their focus on sharing information related to the registration status of national teams and accommodation arrangements. The plan is expected to remain unaffected by Japan's typhoon season, which typically peaks in September and October.