Promised to Be Careful, Yet... Controversy Arises Over Toyotomi Photo Zone at Asian Games

Amid ongoing controversy over the appearance of a Toyotomi Hideyoshi character at the welcome event for the athlete village of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, it has been revealed that a photo zone featuring Toyotomi will be operated during the tournament.

Professor Seo Kyo-duk of Sungshin Women's University announced this today (September 21) via social media, stating that he received a tip from a netizen residing in Japan.

Professor Seo shared that the official website for the cultural programs of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games lists a "warrior role-play photo spot" that Nagoya City will operate at Mizuho Park on September 22.

At this location, visitors can stand behind armor-shaped panels themed after Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu to take pictures as if they have become warlords from Japan's Sengoku period.

Previously on September 15, individuals dressed as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu appeared at the Asian Games athlete village welcome event, sparking controversy.

In response, the organizing committee for the games acknowledged that while there was no intention to glorify specific historical figures, the display could be interpreted differently depending on the audience.

The committee also stated that it would be careful to ensure that future programs remain appropriate for international sporting events.

Regarding this, Professor Seo argued, "This was nothing more than an insincere explanation," adding, "If they possessed a proper sense of history, they would not have brought up Toyotomi again in this manner."

Professor Seo further criticized, "Japan, which is glorifying a war criminal by using the Asian Games—a festival for 4.9 billion Asians—should no longer host international sporting events," and urged, "Japan needs to pull itself together."

(Photo: Captured from the social media of Professor Seo Kyo-duk of Sungshin Women's University, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.