The Aichi International Arena in Nagoya is one of the latest major sporting venues in Japan. It was inaugurated in July 2025 and will host judo and basketball during the 2026 Asian Games.
Located inside Meijō Park, the modern arena can accommodate up to 17,000 spectators and is designed to host both major sporting events and large entertainment shows.
A new landmark in Nagoya
The Aichi International Arena was built to replace the historic Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, which had served the city since 1964.
The new arena was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and was developed after Nagoya was selected as the host city for the 2026 Asian Games.
The venue features modern technology, including one of Japan’s largest centre-hung video screens. Its advanced facilities are designed to give spectators a clear view of the action from different parts of the arena.
The arena has a maximum capacity of around 17,000, but the number of seats can change depending on the event and seating arrangement.
The venue is officially called the Aichi International Arena but is also known as IG Arena under a naming-rights agreement.
Judo takes centre stage
During the Asian Games, the arena will become one of the main venues for judo.
Judo is a Japanese martial art that became an Olympic sport in 1964. For the Asian Games, judokas from across Asia will compete in different weight categories, making the arena an important venue for athletes looking to win continental medals.
The same venue will also host basketball during the Games.
Outside the Asian Games, the arena is home to the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, who compete in Japan’s B.League. It will also host the traditional Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, one of Japan’s major sumo events.
Nagoya’s history and culture
The arena is located in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture and one of Japan’s major cities.
Nagoya developed as an important castle town during the Edo period and became closely linked with the Tokugawa family. The city later grew into a major centre for manufacturing, automobiles and aerospace.
Nagoya is also known for its unique food culture, commonly called Nagoya Meshi. Visitors can try local favourites such as miso-katsu, a breaded cutlet served with miso sauce, and tebasaki, Japanese-style chicken wings.
The city offers a mix of traditional Japanese history and modern urban life, which makes it an important destination for visitors during the Asian Games.
More than a sporting arena
The Aichi International Arena is designed to host much more than sports.
Its large indoor space can be used for concerts, ice shows, exhibitions and other major events. It can also accommodate domestic sporting competitions and community events.
The arena’s location inside Meijō Park adds another attraction for visitors, connecting the modern venue with one of Nagoya’s green spaces.
For the Asian Games, the focus will be on competition. For Indian fans, the arena will be one of the key venues to follow as India’s judokas are set to compete at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
How to reach the venue
Aichi International Arena can be reached by train and bus. Public transport is recommended during the Asian Games due to road and parking restrictions around the venue.
By train: From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Line to Sakae and change to the Meijo Line. Get off at Meijo Koen Station and use Exit 4.
By bus: Local buses can be taken to the Meijō Park/Nagoya Castle area, followed by a short walk to the arena.
From Kanayama Station: Take the Meijo Line directly to Meijo Koen Station.
Also Read: Know Your 2026 Asian Games Venue: Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium
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