Who is Honohon? All you need to know about Asian Games 2026 mascot
Honohon has a visually striking red-and-white design
The Asian Games 2026 will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The 20th edition of the continental tournament features a stunning new mascot: Honohon.
The mascot is inspired by the ‘Shachihoko’, a mythical creature with a tiger head and a carp body, closely linked to Nagoya Castle and the Aichi-Nagoya region.
The design was selected from 264 entries in June 2024, before the final version, created by Japanese graphic designer Yoshiyuki Nakagawa, was officially unveiled a month later in July. Honohon has a predominantly white body with red, flame-like features that resemble a rice ear.
Red ‘Kumadori’ markings are painted around the mascot’s large eyes, inspired by the traditional makeup associated with Japan’s famous Kabuki theatre. The markings are also linked to ‘Kabukimono’, which were flamboyant and eccentric samurai figures.
Related: WATCH – Indian athletes stranded for 14 hours in Nagoya before Asian Games 2026
According to the official press release, the Aichi-Nagoya Games mascot has no gender and is newly born “inside the hearts of athletes”.
Interestingly, the Asian Para Games 2026, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya from October 18 to 24, will have its own water-themed mascot, Uzumin.
What does Honohon’s name mean?
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The mascot’s name comes from the Japanese word ‘Honoho’, which is said to be the origin of the Japanese word for ‘flame’.
According to reports, the organisers chose this name for its friendly, approachable style. The flame imagery is prominent in the flame-like shapes on the mascot’s head.
What is the Asian Games 2026 slogan?
The official slogan for the Aichi-Nagoya Games is ‘Imagine One Asia’. The Japanese version of the slogan means ‘Become One Here’. Copywriter Waka Sakamoto created the slogan and announced it in October 2019.
What is the mascot of the Asian Games 2026?
The official mascot is Honohon, unveiled in July 2024 as the symbol of the Aichi‑Nagoya Games.
What is Honohon based on?
It is inspired by the Shachihoko, a mythical tiger‑headed fish linked to Nagoya Castle and the Aichi region.
What is the slogan of the Aichi-Nagoya Games?
The official slogan is “Imagine One Asia”, created by copywriter Waka Sakamoto.
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