Asian Games organizers work to boost appeal of e-sports

Co-hosted by the Aichi prefectural and Nagoya city governments, the Games will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026, bringing together athletes from 45 countries and regions to compete in 41 sports, including athletics and swimming.

It will mark the first time that a large-scale international e-sports program spanning multiple categories, such as fighting and puzzle games, has ever been staged in Japan.

With less than one year to go before the opening, the organizing committee is stepping up efforts to raise awareness of e-sports and build momentum for the event.

The committee says recognition of e-sports in Japan still lags behind other countries, a gap one official attributes to "a national perception that games are just play."

Despite the Japanese game industry's string of global hits, government-led e-sports initiatives have made limited headway, according to the official, who expressed hope that the forthcoming event will serve as a catalyst.

"We want the Asian Games to provide the spark that pushes it one step further," the official said.

The Asian Games will feature 11 e-sports events, such as a team competition built around three fighting titles, including 'Street Fighter.'

Officials said the lineup was designed to make e-sports more approachable, featuring titles that are familiar even to people who have never played or rarely play games.

New additions not included in the 2020 Games include the fighting title 'Tekken' and the puzzle classic 'Puyo Puyo.'

A series of e-sports events has been held in the host region to create excitement around the Asian Games.

In August, Toyohashi in Aichi Prefecture staged youth-focused activities, including an official tournament for the latest Tekken title, 'Tekken 8,' which counted toward world rankings, as well as a talk show featuring popular e-sports athletes.

To encourage broader participation, organizers set up hands-on booths for titles such as 'Taiko no Tatsujin,' the rhythm game where players simulate beating 'taiko' traditional Japanese drums in time with the music, and the racing simulator 'Gran Turismo.'

Children and adults alike were soon absorbed as they gave the games a try.

"My husband always plays games, and I used to wonder what was so interesting about it," said a 49-year-old woman who attended the event with her family from the town of Kota, Aichi.

"But when I tried it, it was fun. I think I should reconsider my view," she added with a smile.

The Asian Games also serve as a celebration of sport aimed at promoting peace. 

In keeping with a policy that prohibits depictions of blood or killing, survival shooters featuring gunplay will be presented in specially modified, all-ages versions.

The organizing committee reached this decision after extensive consultations, chiefly with the Japanese Olympic Committee.

"We worked hard to strike the right balance," an official said, emphasizing that the changes would not dilute the essence of e-sports.

The official emphasized that showcasing the appeal of competitive gaming remains a priority, saying, "If people simply become aware of it, they will absolutely come to love it."