The Asian Games opened on Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, drawing over 17,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and territories, making it one of the largest multi-sport events in history. Set to run until October 4, the Games feature more than 40 sports, including traditional Olympic events as well as regional favorites and new additions like eSports, breakdancing, padel, and mixed martial arts. The event also serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in several sports.

Organizers have faced significant challenges related to accommodation due to the unexpectedly high number of participants, surpassing their initial estimate of 15,000. In response, a mix of lodging solutions has been implemented, including hotel rooms, wooden container-style huts, and notably, housing approximately 4,000 athletes and officials aboard the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena, which docked in Nagoya shortly before the Games began. The vessel, spanning nearly 300 meters and equipped with nearly 1,500 cabins, seven swimming pools, and multiple restaurants and bars, marks the first time a cruise ship has been used on such a scale for an international sporting event in Japan.

While the use of the cruise ship has received some support from local officials, including Hideaki Omura, president of the local organizing committee, who described the approach as a potentially sustainable model for future large-scale events, several participating nations have expressed concerns. South Korean officials described the temporary accommodations, particularly the container huts, as the "worst ever," citing issues such as inadequate bed sizes and poor facilities. A South Korean basketball player shared a video highlighting leaks and flooding in the huts on social media, fueling criticism. Taiwanese officials also reported a general shortage of beds, and representatives from multiple countries indicated that accommodation concerns were a common issue among teams.

The situation has reportedly caused some athletes and officials to be relocated to alternative lodging, including different hotels and Airbnb rentals, as organizers continue efforts to address the shortage. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino confirmed that all Filipino athletes were accommodated, though some coaches and officials were placed elsewhere.

The Games have also contended with weather disruptions amid Japan’s typhoon season. Recent record rainfall led to the temporary evacuation of hundreds of athletes and caused flooding in some competition venues and accommodations. Despite these setbacks, organizers emphasized confidence that the event would continue smoothly and that all participants would have adequate lodging.

Amid the logistical challenges, the Asian Games will showcase emerging sporting talent, including Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, among others. Host nation Japan, North Korea, China, and other competitors aim for success both in medals and in preparation for future Olympic participation. The event’s mix of traditional and contemporary sports, alongside its unprecedented accommodation plans, underscores the scale and complexity of managing the continent’s premier sporting spectacle.