수호신이 불꽃과 만나 ‘호노혼’…AG 마스코트 프로필 [아하! 아시안게임]

The mascot for each summer Asian Games has been an animal until now. From the 1982 New Delhi edition until the 2026 host cities of Aichi and Nagoya, a total of 12 editions have been held. Except for two, all mascots have been real animals. The 1982 New Delhi Games featured the Asian elephant (Abu), the 1986 Seoul Games showed the tiger (Hoodoo & non-official), the 1990 Beijing Games had the giant panda (Pan-pan), the 1994 Hiroshima Games introduced the crane (Foopo & Kuku), the 1998 Bangkok Games showcased the elephant (Chai-yo), the 2002 Busan Games presented the hawk (Duriya), the 2006 Doha Games displayed the Arabian oriole (Ori), the 2010 Guangzhou Games exhibited the goat (Lay-yang Lay, A-shak, Ah-hur, Ar-ro, Ai), the 2014 Incheon Games displayed the flying squirrel (Bi-choon, Bara-me, Chu-mu-ro), and the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games showcased the turtle dragon, warty pig, and barking deer (Bin-bin, Kak-a, Ah-tong).

In 2022, the host city of Hainan displayed the two-headed robot (Cheen-cheen, Chong-chong, Row-row) before the 'flame spirit' mascot appears at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games. The flame spirit, named 'Honohon,' is born from the water guardian deity of Aichi and the excitement of athletes. It represents the athletes' passion and was hoped to bring a safe and peaceful festival.

The design of Sazchihocho, the Aichi mascot, is based on a mythical creature with a tiger's head and a fish's body, famous in Japanese mythology and is a symbol for the Aichi city. The flame spirit represents the burning passion of athletes that is said to be engraved in the hearts of Nagoya citizens. The mascot's name, 'Honohon,' is derived from the Japanese word 'Honoho,' which means 'flame.'

The mascot's friendly image reflects the excitement of athletes from all over Asia and their hard work. However, it can become sleepy if overused. Its big eyes and ears are attractive features. The mascot is born in the minds of athletes, with no gender. The message of the mascot remains the same throughout the years, no matter how much its appearance changes.

The motto 'Let's become one here' is the favorite phrase of the flame spirit, which has been connecting Asia since the first New Delhi Games in 1951.