{
  "id": 11867881,
  "title": "'Chaotic' Asian Games threaten Japan hopes of hosting Olympics again",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/chaotic-asian-games-threaten-japan-hopes-of-hosting-olympics-again",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T06:31:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/asian-games-japan-chaos-6430521"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, have been plagued by numerous logistical issues, raising doubts about Japan's future prospects as a reliable host for major sporting events, including the Olympics. The Games, which took place from March 25 to April 7, 2023, saw athletes inadvertently sent to the wrong venues, the North Korean national anthem played for the South Korean hockey team, and a shortage of beds for the over 17,000 athletes and officials.\n\nThe South Korean Sport and Olympic Committee president, Ryu Seung-min, criticized the organization, giving it an 'F'. The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) president, Seiko Hashimoto, acknowledged the problems but stated that Japan remains committed to hosting more international events. However, Hirokazu Arai, a professor specializing in sports psychology, warned that Japan may struggle to regain its image as a dependable host, potentially making it harder to win bids for future Olympics.\n\nThe lack of a traditional athletes' village, replaced with a cruise ship, hotel rooms, and temporary wooden huts, led to complaints about cramped conditions and insufficient beds. Sparse crowds at some events, including the opening ceremony, further highlighted the issues. The chaotic organization, including transport and anthem mishaps, has damaged Japan's international reputation. Arai suggests that anger and criticism could resurface, potentially complicating Japan's bid for future Olympic hosting.",
  "summary": "The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya saw a catalogue of mishaps, from athletes taken to the wrong venues to the North Korean national anthem played for the South Korean hockey team.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Khairulnizam battles back from surgery to Asian Games podium",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/khairulnizam-battles-back-from-surgery-to-asian-games-podium",
        "published": "2026-10-04T03:44:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}