Traditional culture became an integral part of the Games experience at ASIAD 20.
As the 20th Asian Games entered its final days of competition, in addition to the sporting events, athletes and fans also had the opportunity to explore the unique cultural features of Aichi and Nagoya. The Aichi Prefectural Government organized English-language guided tours specifically for athletes and delegations, facilitating international visitors' access to local life, culture, and traditional values.
The Aichi cultural space was incorporated into ASIAD 20, providing athletes and fans with an additional experience alongside the competition activities.
Integrating cultural activities into the space of a large-scale sporting event helps extend the experience at ASIAD beyond the playing field. Each tour and experiential activity becomes a way for participants to learn more about the host country, thereby creating a connection between sports, culture, and tourism.
Traditional culture, as seen at ASIAD 20, is linked to the distinctive handicrafts of Aichi.
As part of the 2026 Asian Games, Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City are implementing activities to revive and promote traditional crafts. Several products, such as Tokoname ceramics, Arimatsu Shibori dyed fabrics, and Owari Shippo cloisonnés, are being included in projects to produce official souvenirs, commemorative medals, and gifts bearing the mark of the Asian Games.
Traditional handicrafts were showcased as part of the promotion of Aichi's cultural identity within the framework of ASIAD 20.
Aichi currently has 15 officially recognized traditional crafts, including Tokoname-yaki, Arimatsu–Narumi Shibori, and Owari Shippo.
Incorporating traditional products into the gift and merchandise system of the Games helps traditional crafts appear in a new space, closer to international visitors. Instead of being merely displayed as exhibits, handicrafts become a direct part of the experience for ASIAD attendees.
From watching to experiencing it firsthand.
A highlight of the cultural program is the spaces that allow athletes and visitors to directly participate in activities such as painting paper fans, making pottery, or dyeing scarves themselves. These experiences create direct interaction with traditional culture, helping participants better understand the techniques, materials, and craftsmanship behind each product.
The exhibition space was designed to be interactive, allowing attendees to get closer to Aichi's products and cultural story.
In addition, a themed exhibition on traditional Japanese crafts was held in Nagoya, showcasing 15 officially recognized crafts from Aichi Prefecture. This space allowed the story of traditional crafts to be presented within a broader context, where viewers could not only see the finished products but also better appreciate the cultural values preserved in each craft.
Sports become a bridge for promoting local culture.
Integrating the promotion of traditional crafts into ASIAD 20 demonstrates a broader approach to international sporting events. The arena attracts the attention of thousands of athletes and fans, while cultural activities help extend the experience, creating more reasons for international visitors to learn about the host locality.
Through ASIAD 20, Aichi brought its traditional crafts and cultural values closer to athletes, tourists, and the international public.
Through handicrafts, tours, and experiential activities, Aichi and Nagoya are bringing traditional culture into a contemporary space, where local values have the opportunity to be more widely recognized in the international community.
We invite viewers to watch other exciting programs on VTV8 channel at: https://vtvgo.vn/video/catalog/list/ffc98a39-06ff-424b-a85f-388837a68f87/chuyen-trang-van-hoa--du-lich--lich-su--di-san-19,ffc98a39-06ff-424b-a85f-388837a68f87.html
Source: https://vtv8.vtv.vn/tinh-aichi-quang-ba-van-hoa-truyen-thong-qua-asiad-20-107261003105756396.htm
