Japanese athletes have continued to showcase strong performances at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, significantly contributing to the country’s medal count as the event enters its second week. By the 12th day of competition, Japan had secured a total of 200 medals, including 50 gold, 77 silver, and 73 bronze, placing second overall behind China.

One of the standout moments came on September 24, when Shin Ohashi set a new world record in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke with a time of 2 minutes 4.83 seconds, earning his second gold medal of the Games. In fencing, Yuka Ueno made history on September 23 by becoming the first Japanese woman in 52 years to claim gold in the women’s individual foil event. Japan further solidified its dominance in fencing with a gold medal win in the women’s team foil competition on September 26.

The Japanese table tennis team also delivered a significant upset by defeating China 3-2 on September 24, capturing the gold medal for the first time in sixty years. In another highlight, Yuki Kurihara, the youngest competitor from Japan at the Games, won gold in the esports event on September 26. The 11-year-old secured victory in the Puyo Puyo Champions final against South Korea’s Kang Dong-shin, with a decisive 10-2 score.

These achievements reflect Japan’s growing strength across a broad range of sports at the Asian Games, bolstering the host nation’s standing as the event approaches its conclusion.