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The Mainichi
6 days ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
IG Arena opens with promise to make Nagoya a must-visit city
NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Japan is making a major push to construct new multipurpose arenas outside Tokyo and Osaka, with IG Arena in Nagoya -- Japan's third largest metropolis -- the latest high-tech addition. Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the oval-shaped hybrid indoor arena opened in the Aichi Prefecture capital on July 13. It hosted the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament as its inaugural event. With a maximum capacity of 17,000 people, it is among the largest indoor venues in Japan. Local businesses hope the arena can combat the "bypass Nagoya" phenomenon in which popular touring events skip the city and the broader Chukyo area in central Japan. At the May 31 ceremony commemorating the arena's completion, Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura stressed that the new venue "will bolster the future" of the prefecture. The main arena has an area of 4,600 square meters and 15,000 seats. The bowl design gives spectators an immersive viewing experience, and it also features a giant eight-sided, center-hanging jumbo screen, visible from every seat in the venue. With a ceiling of roughly 30 meters, one of the highest in the world, the arena can host concerts that feature enormous stage installations. NTT Docomo Inc. is a major shareholder in Aichi International Arena Co., which manages IG Arena. The telecommunications company provides the new facility with technologies such as the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network that will enable performances to be broadcast to people watching in remote locations. Major events have already been scheduled at the arena, including a performance by British musician Sting in September and figure skating's Grand Prix Final in December. Construction of more arena projects under the "Sports Open Innovation" initiative of the Japan Sports Agency and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is ongoing. The authorities aim to promote economic growth via sport. As of January, the agency reported that 45 construction and renovation projects were under way. Major information technology company DeNA Co. and railway operator Keikyu Corp. are building an entertainment complex featuring a 15,000-seat arena in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. The complex is set to open in 2030. The B-League, Japan's top professional basketball league, has set requirements for teams to join its new "Premiere" top division, to be launched in 2026. The league mandates that teams must have a home arena with a seating capacity of at least 5,000, driving the current boom in construction. In this competitive environment, facilities must differentiate themselves to thrive. IG Arena should not serve as a "mere venue," but rather have a unique selling point: "If it's this event, IG Arena is the place to hold it," said Eiji Ito, a professor at Chukyo University's School of Health and Sport Sciences. Nagoya already has the Vantelin Dome Nagoya, which has a maximum capacity of 50,000 and is primarily used as the Chunichi Dragons baseball team's home stadium. Opened in 1997 as Nagoya Dome, it has also hosted large music concerts. The absence of a 10,000 to 20,000-seat multipurpose arena has led event organizers to avoid Nagoya in the past. Anschutz Entertainment Group, an American multinational entertainment company in a naming rights partnership with Aichi International Arena, is expected to facilitate the hosting of international sports events and performances by overseas artists at IG Arena. "We will host events unique to Nagoya and draw people into the city," said Hisato Hiroshi, president and chief executive of Aichi International Arena. (By Eri Shinagawa)
Kyodo News
04-08-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
FEATURE: IG Arena opens with promise to make Nagoya a must-visit city
NAGOYA - Japan is making a major push to construct new multipurpose arenas outside Tokyo and Osaka, with IG Arena in Nagoya -- Japan's third largest metropolis -- the latest high-tech addition. Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the oval-shaped hybrid indoor arena opened in the Aichi Prefecture capital on July 13. It hosted the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament as its inaugural event. With a maximum capacity of 17,000 people, it is among the largest indoor venues in Japan. Local businesses hope the arena can combat the "bypass Nagoya" phenomenon in which popular touring events skip the city and the broader Chukyo area in central Japan. At the May 31 ceremony commemorating the arena's completion, Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura stressed that the new venue "will bolster the future" of the prefecture. The main arena has an area of 4,600 square meters and 15,000 seats. The bowl design gives spectators an immersive viewing experience, and it also features a giant eight-sided, center-hanging jumbo screen, visible from every seat in the venue. With a ceiling of roughly 30 meters, one of the highest in the world, the arena can host concerts that feature enormous stage installations. NTT Docomo Inc. is a major shareholder in Aichi International Arena Co., which manages IG Arena. The telecommunications company provides the new facility with technologies such as the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network that will enable performances to be broadcast to people watching in remote locations. Major events have already been scheduled at the arena, including a performance by British musician Sting in September and figure skating's Grand Prix Final in December. Construction of more arena projects under the "Sports Open Innovation" initiative of the Japan Sports Agency and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is ongoing. The authorities aim to promote economic growth via sport. As of January, the agency reported that 45 construction and renovation projects were under way. Major information technology company DeNA Co. and railway operator Keikyu Corp. are building an entertainment complex featuring a 15,000-seat arena in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. The complex is set to open in 2030. The B-League, Japan's top professional basketball league, has set requirements for teams to join its new "Premiere" top division, to be launched in 2026. The league mandates that teams must have a home arena with a seating capacity of at least 5,000, driving the current boom in construction. In this competitive environment, facilities must differentiate themselves to thrive. IG Arena should not serve as a "mere venue," but rather have a unique selling point: "If it's this event, IG Arena is the place to hold it," said Eiji Ito, a professor at Chukyo University's School of Health and Sport Sciences. Nagoya already has the Vantelin Dome Nagoya, which has a maximum capacity of 50,000 and is primarily used as the Chunichi Dragons baseball team's home stadium. Opened in 1997 as Nagoya Dome, it has also hosted large music concerts. The absence of a 10,000 to 20,000-seat multipurpose arena has led event organizers to avoid Nagoya in the past. Anschutz Entertainment Group, an American multinational entertainment company in a naming rights partnership with Aichi International Arena, is expected to facilitate the hosting of international sports events and performances by overseas artists at IG Arena. "We will host events unique to Nagoya and draw people into the city," said Hisato Hiroshi, president and chief executive of Aichi International Arena.
Gulf Today
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Sultan receives Governor of Japan's Aichi Prefecture in Sharjah
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, received Hideaki Omura, Governor of Japan's Aichi Prefecture, on Sunday, at Al Badi' Palace. At the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Sultan warmly welcomed the Governor and his accompanying delegation, engaging in friendly conversation about topics of mutual interest and building bilateral relations in the fields of arts, artist support, and talent development. The Ruler of Sharjah was introduced to the Japanese delegation's initiatives in Aichi Prefecture, including its various cultural events, most notably the upcoming sixth edition of the Aichi Triennale, set to take place this September. The triennial will feature the participation of 66 artists from 22 countries. It was also announced that Sheikha Hoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, has been selected as the Artistic Director of the Aichi Triennale. Led by Hideaki Omura, the Japanese delegation expressed their gratitude for the warm reception by Sheikh Sultan, sharing their happiness at visiting Sharjah. They commended Sheikh Sultan's continued efforts in supporting the arts and various initiatives that elevate the status of art and empower artists. The head of the delegation also praised Sheikha Hoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her extensive experience and pioneering work in the field of contemporary art, both locally and globally. This, he noted, contributed significantly to her selection as Artistic Director of the Aichi Triennale, representing a valuable addition to the festival. Sheikh Sultan and the Governor of Aichi Prefecture exchanged commemorative gifts and posed for group photos. The Ruler of Sharjah extended his best wishes for success to everyone involved in supporting and promoting the arts. The reception was attended by Sheikha Hoor, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Architecture Triennial; Sheikha Nawar Bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation; Jun Imanishi, Consul-General of Japan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; along with several officials from Aichi Prefecture's cultural sector. WAM
Japan Times
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
MMA to make Asian Games debut next year in Japan
Mixed martial arts (MMA) will make its Asian Games debut next year when Nagoya hosts the continent's premier sporting event, organizers said on Tuesday. Cricket was also formally approved for inclusion at the Games during a meeting in host city Nagoya on Monday — despite doubts about where exactly the sport will take place. "MMA will feature six events in its Asian Games debut and be classed as a discipline under combat sports," the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said. The OCA and local organizers will hold meetings this week as they ramp up preparations for the 2026 Games, which will be in Nagoya and elsewhere in Aichi Prefecture. As many as 15,000 athletes could compete at the Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 Games next year — more participants than the Olympics. The OCA said that cricket will be played somewhere in Aichi but it is unclear where because there is currently no venue in the prefecture for the sport. T20 cricket was played at the COVID-delayed Asian Games in China in 2023 and will return to the Olympic program in Los Angeles in 2028. In December, Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura said the build-up to the Asian Games was going smoothly. His remarks came after Japanese media said the OCA was not happy with preparations and had accused local organizers of not sticking to the host city contract. Reports said the OCA had demanded improvements in several areas, including accommodation and transport for athletes and teams. Next year will be the 20th edition of the Asian Games.
Daily Express
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
Mixed martial arts to make Asian Games debut
Published on: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 30, 2025 By: AFP Text Size: MMA will feature six events in its Asian Games debut in Japan next year. – Instagram/Stamp Fairtex TOKYO: Mixed martial arts (MMA) will make its Asian Games debut next year when Japan hosts the continent's premier sporting event, organisers said on Tuesday. Cricket was also formally approved for inclusion at the Games during a meeting in host city Nagoya on Monday—despite doubts about where exactly the sport will take place. 'MMA will feature six events in its Asian Games debut and be classed as a discipline under combat sports,' the Olympic Council of Asia said. The OCA and local organisers will hold meetings this week as they ramp up preparations for the 2026 Games, which will be in Nagoya and the wider Aichi prefecture. As many as 15,000 athletes could compete at the September 19 to October 4 Games next year—more participants than the Olympics. The OCA said that cricket will be played somewhere in Aichi but it is unclear where because there is currently no venue in the prefecture for the sport. T20 cricket was played at the Covid-delayed Asian Games in China in 2023 and will return to the Olympic programme in Los Angeles in 2028. In December, Aichi governor Hideaki Omura said the build-up to the Asian Games was going smoothly. His remarks came after Japanese media said the OCA was not happy with preparations and had accused local organisers of not sticking to the host city contract. Reports said the OCA had demanded improvements in several areas, including accommodation and transport for athletes and teams. Next year will be the 20th edition of the Asian Games. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
