The organizers of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, Japan, have warned additional registered athletes and officials to "find their own accommodations" as they prepare to handle participant numbers soaring to 17,000 from the original 15,000. They admit both budget and lodging capacity are limited.
The Asian Games organizing committee, set to take place in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October, revealed they face severe shortages of accommodations and budget after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) added new sports events, "teqball" and "padel." This increased athlete and official numbers to 17,000—comprising 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials—exceeding the initial agreement of 15,000.
A major challenge is that Japan, the host, is not constructing a dedicated "athletes' village" to save budget, instead renting the Italian cruise ship "Costa Serena" to house 4,000–5,000 athletes, alongside building temporary wooden container-style housing near Nagoya port for about 2,000 more. The remainder must stay at various hotels, including in Tokyo, which hosts swimming, diving, and equestrian events.
Hideaki Omura, chairman of the organizing committee and governor of Aichi Prefecture, candidly stated the organizers lack the manpower and budget to provide additional accommodation for those registered beyond the quota.
"The hosting contract clearly states accommodation for 15,000 athletes. We have not budgeted for more, and there simply is no lodging available. If they insist on coming, they must arrange their own accommodation," he said.
Ichiro Hirosawa, mayor of Nagoya and acting chairman of the organizing committee, added that accommodating such a large number under strict time, resource, and budget constraints is extremely difficult.
The organizers are urgently negotiating with the OCA to reduce participant numbers. Reports indicate the Japanese organizing committee has formally requested the OCA to coordinate cutting down the number of attendees. A spokesperson said discussions with the OCA continue regarding each country's athlete registrations and accommodation management.
However, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has not yet responded or commented on Japan's request.