NAGOYA, Japan: Asian Games organisers in Japan are facing a fresh weather-related challenge, with a potential typhoon threatening to disrupt arrangements for thousands of athletes staying aboard a cruise ship in Nagoya’s port, just days after record rainfall exposed weaknesses in the Games’ accommodation system.
More than 17,000 athletes and officials are arriving in Nagoya and across Aichi prefecture for the continental sporting event. In a cost-saving departure from the traditional athletes’ village, participants are being housed in temporary huts, hotels and the cruise ship Costa Serena.
Typhoon threatens cruise ship operations
Forecasters on Thursday warned that a typhoon could reach Japan’s main island, where Nagoya is located, on Sunday or Monday, potentially affecting around 4,000 Games participants living aboard the ship.
“All we can do is to pray that the worst-case scenario will not happen,” The Asahi Shimbun quoted an unnamed sports federation official as saying.
Tropical Storm 24W has developed in the western Pacific and is forecast to gradually strengthen into a low-end typhoon as it heads towards Japan and could bring some impacts late this weekend to Tokyo as it passes by. pic.twitter.com/v4uTV5QUZb
— StormHQ ☈ (@StormHQwx) September 16, 2026
The newspaper reported that the path of storm Dujuan remained uncertain, but said a more serious scenario could involve evacuating the ship from the port and relocating it.
AFP said it had contacted local organisers for comment.
September and October are part of Japan’s typhoon season, adding to concerns over the impact of severe weather on the Games.
Read Also: Pakistan Beat Thailand to Reach Asian Games Women’s Cricket Semi-finals
Accommodation problems add to pressure
The latest warning follows record rainfall in Nagoya last week, when around 104 millimetres of rain fell in an hour on Tuesday, prompting municipal officials to issue evacuation orders for parts of the city.
Participants staying in shipping container-style huts were briefly evacuated, while rainwater seeped into several competition venues.
To cut costs, no athlete village at this year’s Asian Games. Athletes stayed on cruise ships, in container rooms, and at hotels instead. Take a look inside the Costa Serena. pic.twitter.com/mFvKl0evgk
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) September 17, 2026
Several teams have also complained about the quality of the temporary accommodation, including beds that are too short. Others have raised concerns about a shortage of rooms for all participants.
Although Thursday was dry and sunny in Nagoya, wet weather earlier in the week forced the abandonment of the women’s cricket match between China and Bangladesh without a ball being bowled.
Read Also: Why Asian Games Athletes Will Reside on a Cruise Ship During the 2026 Games?
Scientists say human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Japan and elsewhere, adding to the challenges facing organisers of major sporting events.
