Emperor Naruhito attends Asian Games opening ceremony

Emperor Naruhito presided over the 20th Asian Games Opening Ceremony with Empress Masako and the Crown Prince Couple alongside Asian and Middle Eastern Royalty. 

The 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 has officially kicked off in Japan, with Emperor Naruhito officially declaring the games open. With 45 participating countries or regions, the games are Asia’s largest sporting competition, held every four years and organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

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Emperor Naruhito was joined at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium by Empress Masako on Saturday, along with his younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino, and his wife, Crown Princess Kiko. The Crown Prince serves as Honorary President of the games.

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Qatar’s Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani joined the Imperial Family in a box of dignitaries as the Olympic Council of Asia’s president. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad also delivered a speech to attendees, receiving unexpected applause as he noted his years of service at the OCA.

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani – Screenshot/Fair Use

As ceremonies kicked off, monarchical countries in attendance were abundant: Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the UAE, and Japan, the largest delegation of athletes competing this year.

Thailand is being ‘royally’ represented by Princess Sirivannavari, who is also competing in equestrian dressage, and is creating Thailand’s ceremonial uniform. Over the past months, the Princess has meticulously created the ceremonial uniforms for the games under the concept “The “rt of Unity.” Designed for more than 900 athletes and team officials, the ensemble presents Thai identity on the Asian stage through a contemporary design.

The uniforms incorporate handwoven indigo-dyed cotton from the Sustainable Village Project, under Sirivannavari’s initiative in Sakon Nakhon Province, as well as handwoven cotton from the SUPPORT Foundation under the Royal Patronage of the late Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.

On Saturday evening in Japan, Emperor Naruhito officially declared the Asian Games open during a two-hour ceremony, at the invitation of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.

The 20th Asian Games will last to 4th October. The 1st Games were held in New Delhi, with 11 participating countries, including Japan. Since then, the Games have become a big event that fosters friendship through sports and contributes to world peace by recognising diversity.