Host nation Japan moves into second place behind China after winning 11 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze medals
Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, September 23, 2026: Host nation Japan has made a strong start at the 20th Asian Games, moving into second place in the medal standings with 46 medals after competitions concluded on September 22.
Japan’s tally consists of 11 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze medals. The country currently trails China, which leads the standings with 53 medals, including 32 gold, 13 silver and eight bronze.
Japan Adds Gold Medals in Swimming, Gymnastics and Fencing
Japan strengthened its medal tally with gold-medal performances across several disciplines.
Seventeen-year-old Japanese swimmer Yumeki Kojima won the men’s 400m individual medley in 4:07.02, setting an Asian Games record. His compatriot Tomoyuki Matsushita took silver in the same event.
In women’s artistic gymnastics, Aiko Sugihara won gold in the all-around competition. Japan also added gold medals in fencing as the hosts continued their strong campaign.
China Maintains Lead
China remains at the top of the medal table with 53 medals, including 32 gold, 13 silver and eight bronze.
South Korea, Kazakhstan and other participating nations followed in the early standings, while India stood eighth with seven medals — one gold, four silver and two bronze — at the end of September 22.
India’s medal tally subsequently received a boost on September 23 after Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event, securing her maiden Asian Games medal.
Japan Hosting Asian Games for Third Time
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 are being held from September 19 to October 4. Japan is hosting the continental multi-sport event for the third time.
Tokyo previously hosted the Asian Games in 1958, while Hiroshima staged the event in 1994.
The 2026 edition features athletes from 45 countries and regions, competing across 43 sports and 469 medal events.
Japan’s Previous Asian Games Performance
At the Hangzhou Asian Games, Japan finished with 188 medals, including 52 gold, 67 silver and 69 bronze.
With the Aichi-Nagoya Games still underway, the medal standings are expected to change as competition continues across multiple sporting disciplines.
