*This content was translated by AI.
Host nation Japan for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games has fully prepared to fully capitalize on its "home-field advantage."
The Japan Sport Council (JSC) revealed its dedicated support facility for the Japanese national team competing in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to local reporters on the 11th.
According to Japan's CBC TV, Japan reportedly invested a staggering 300 million yen (approximately 2.6 billion won) to support its national athletes.
The athlete support facilities were established in two locations: downtown Nagoya and Chubu Centrair International Airport. In particular, the facility in downtown Nagoya is located about 15 to 20 minutes away by shuttle bus from the container-style accommodation where athletes stay.
CBC TV explained, "The JSC has set up a reservation-only support facility in downtown Nagoya so that Japanese athletes can focus entirely on their final preparations during the Asian Games," adding, "It is equipped with various environments to allow athletes to fully demonstrate their skills in actual competitions."
The facility consists of three floors. The first floor houses a training center equipped with various weight training equipment including bench presses and treadmills. Notably, dumbbells weighing up to 50 kilograms were also prepared.
CBC TV reporter Matsumoto, who covered the scene, lifted the 50th-kilogram dumbbell himself and expressed surprise, saying, "I've never seen such thick dumbbells before. They weigh a full 50 kilograms. It's even difficult to lift them with both hands."
A swimming pool was installed on the basement level, and right next to it, a tent-type sauna was set up.
This is not merely a simple makeshift sauna. According to reports, the temperature inside the tent-type sauna can rise to a maximum of 100 degrees Celsius. It also allows for "self-roofing," where water is sprayed directly onto sauna stones to generate steam.
CBC TV explained that it is expected to be frequently utilized by athletes in weight-class sports such as judo and boxing when they need to lose their final weight before the competition.
Facilities for rapid athlete recovery were also included. Most notably, a "contrast bath" facility was installed, allowing athletes to alternate between cold baths cooled with ice and warm hot springs.
Miura Keisuke, service manager at the JSC athlete support facility, explained, "It is important to improve blood circulation for athletes to manage their daily conditions, recover from fatigue, and promote recovery for the following day."
Support extends beyond physical management. Spaces were created with various recovery equipment and large beanbags to allow athletes to rest comfortably, and a separate meditation tent was also installed.
A counseling room staffed by psychological experts is also in operation. The plan is to systematically manage even the psychological pressure that athletes may feel at major internationalheld on home soil.
Reporter Matsumoto personally experienced the meditation space and reported, "It is a space where athletes can rest comfortably. Meditation tents and large cushions are placed here. It is very comfortable."
This facility is a dedicated support space for the Japanese national team. In addition to the traditional "home advantage" of competing in a familiar environment, Japanese athletes will receive systematic support covering training, recovery, weight loss, and psychological management.
Ahead of the Asian Games held at home, Japan has gone all out with an investment of approximately 2.6 billion won to maximize the performance of its own athletes.
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*This content was translated by AI.
