Yamaguchi, Miyazaki on billboards; javelin star gets 67m cutout ahead of Asiad

Japan has unveiled a sports blitz ahead of the Asian Games, featuring personalized ads for athletes to boost excitement in their hometowns. Triple world champion Akane Yamaguchi's image is displayed on a giant billboard at Katsuyama Post Office, while record-breaking javelin star Haruka Kitaguchi's ad is at JR Hokkaido Asahikawa-Yojo Station.

Badminton star Tomoka Miyazaki's billboard advertises near her high school. Athletes' specific sports, personal stories, and school cultures are featured in the ads. TBS reported that these "personalized ads" aim to catch the eye of current students and locals familiar with the area, sparking community-wide excitement for the Asian Games.

Athletes such as Yuki Fukushima, Yuki Joseph Nakajima, Rachid Muratake, Rikako Ikee, and Tomokazu Harimoto have their advertisements displayed near their alma maters or schools. The Asian Games, which will be held in Japan for the first time in 32 years, feature 43 sports and 469 events, with approximately 45 countries and regions participating.