The Venue: A Modern Stage for an Ancient Sport

The Aichi International Arena (commonly known as IG Arena) in Nagoya will host all judo events during the 2026 Asian Games. Located in the heart of Aichi Prefecture, the venue is a state-of-the-art facility with a seating capacity of 10,000, designed to accommodate both the intensity of competition and the cultural significance of judo. The arena’s proximity to major transportation hubs—including Nagoya Station and Chubu Centrair International Airport—ensures accessibility for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.

Test events held in March 2026 at IG Arena provided a glimpse into the operational readiness of the venue. Over two days, student judoka from Aichi Prefecture and beyond participated in tournaments although volunteers—including members of the Meijo University Judo Club—gained hands-on experience in event management. These rehearsals were critical for refining logistics ahead of the main event, particularly for a sport where timing, safety, and protocol are paramount.

Schedule and Format: A Four-Day Judo Marathon

The judo competition at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games will span four days, with medal events scheduled for each weight class across men’s and women’s divisions. According to the official competition schedule released by the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee, the tournament will follow the standard Olympic and Asian Games format, featuring:

• Men’s divisions (7 weight classes): -60kg, -66kg, -73kg, -81kg, -90kg, -100kg, +100kg
• Women’s divisions (7 weight classes): -48kg, -52kg, -57kg, -63kg, -70kg, -78kg, +78kg

Each weight class will culminate in a medal match, with bronze medals awarded to both losing semifinalists—a rule unique to judo and wrestling. The competition will adhere to the International Judo Federation (IJF) ruleset, including the 2022 updates that emphasize gripping techniques and penalize passivity.

For fans planning to attend, here’s a breakdown of the daily schedule (all times local, UTC+9):

Note: The mixed team event, introduced at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will make its Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya. Teams of six judoka (three men, three women) will compete in a relay-style format, adding a dynamic team element to the individual competition.

Contenders to Watch: Asia’s Judo Powerhouses

While the official entry lists for the 2026 Asian Games have not yet been released, recent performances at the 2023 and 2024 IJF World Championships and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games offer clues about the favorites in Nagoya.

Japan: The Home Advantage

As the birthplace of judo, Japan enters the tournament as the overwhelming favorite. The Japanese team dominated the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, winning 10 of the 14 gold medals on offer. Standout athletes include:

• Uta Abe (Women’s -52kg): The reigning Olympic and world champion, Abe is known for her explosive seoi-nage (shoulder throw) and tactical brilliance. She has not lost an international match since 2021.
• Hifumi Abe (Men’s -66kg): Uta’s older brother and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Hifumi is equally dominant in his weight class. His rivalry with South Korea’s An Ba-ul promises to be a highlight.
• Shohei Ono (Men’s -73kg): A three-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, Ono’s technical precision and clutch performances make him a fan favorite.

South Korea: The Challengers

South Korea’s judo team has been a consistent threat to Japan’s dominance, particularly in the men’s divisions. Key athletes include:

• An Ba-ul (Men’s -66kg): The 2022 world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, An has a fierce rivalry with Hifumi Abe. Their matches are often decided by small margins and tactical adjustments.
• Kim Min-jong (Men’s -81kg): A rising star, Kim won gold at the 2023 World Championships and is expected to be a medal contender in Nagoya.
• Kim Ji-su (Women’s -52kg): A bronze medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kim will glance to challenge Uta Abe in what could be a defining matchup of the tournament.

Other Nations to Watch

• Mongolia: Mongolia’s judoka have made significant strides in recent years, with Tsend-Ochiryn Tsogtbaatar (Men’s -73kg) and Boldyn Gankhaich (Women’s -57kg) among the top contenders.
• Uzbekistan: The Central Asian nation has emerged as a judo powerhouse, with Diyorbek Urozboev (Men’s -60kg) and Gulnoza Matniyazova (Women’s -70kg) leading the charge.
• China: China’s judo team has improved steadily, with Yang Junxia (Women’s -63kg) and Li Qian (Women’s -78kg) among the athletes to watch.

Tickets and How to Attend

Tickets for the judo competition at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games are available through multiple platforms, including Ticket Pia and the official TBS ticketing site. Prices vary by session, with general admission starting at ¥3,000 (approximately $20 USD) and premium seats available for medal matches.

Key details for spectators:

• Venue access: IG Arena is located at 1-1 Aichi Sky Expo, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. The nearest train station is Central Japan International Airport Station (10-minute walk).
• Ticket policies: Children under 3 may sit on a guardian’s lap free of charge, but a ticket is required for a dedicated seat. Age verification may be conducted at entry.
• Prohibited items: Large bags, professional cameras, and outside food/drinks are not permitted. A full list of restrictions is available on the official Asian Games website.

For international visitors, the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee has partnered with local tourism agencies to offer travel packages that include event tickets, accommodations, and transportation. These packages are ideal for fans looking to combine the judo competition with other cultural experiences in the region.

Why This Tournament Matters

The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games judo competition is more than just a continental championship—it’s a critical stepping stone for athletes eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With Olympic qualification points on the line and national pride at stake, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

For Japan, the tournament represents an opportunity to showcase its judo heritage on home soil. The country’s dominance in the sport is unparalleled, with Japanese judoka winning 39 of the 56 gold medals awarded at the last three Asian Games. A strong performance in Nagoya would reaffirm Japan’s status as the sport’s spiritual and competitive home.

For emerging judo nations like Uzbekistan and Mongolia, the Asian Games offer a chance to challenge the established order. These countries have invested heavily in judo development, and their athletes are increasingly competitive on the world stage. A breakthrough performance in Nagoya could signal a shift in the sport’s power dynamics.

Finally, the mixed team event adds a layer of unpredictability to the tournament. While Japan is expected to field a strong team, the relay format could produce surprises, with nations like South Korea or China capitalizing on depth in specific weight classes.

Key Takeaways for Fans

• Dates: Judo competition runs from September 30 to October 3, 2026, at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya.
• Format: 14 individual weight classes (7 men’s, 7 women’s) plus a mixed team event, with medal matches held daily.
• Favorites: Japan is the team to beat, with South Korea, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan as the primary challengers.
• Tickets: Available through Ticket Pia and TBS ticketing, with prices starting at ¥3,000. Travel packages are available for international visitors.
• What’s new: The mixed team event makes its Asian Games debut, offering a fresh dynamic to the competition.
• Olympic implications: Strong performances in Nagoya could boost athletes’ rankings for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

What’s Next?

The next major milestone for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games judo competition is the release of the official entry lists, expected in July 2026. These lists will confirm which athletes will compete and provide a clearer picture of the tournament’s narrative.

In the meantime, fans can stay updated through the following official channels:

• Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Official Website
• International Judo Federation (IJF)
• All Japan Judo Federation

For those planning to attend, now is the time to secure tickets and accommodations, as demand is expected to be high for a sport with such deep cultural roots in Japan.