Controversy Continues as Toyotomi Hideyoshi Photo Zone Operated at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

Following the controversy over a character portraying Toyotomi Hideyoshi—the mastermind behind the Japanese invasions of Korea—appearing at the welcome ceremony for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Athletes Village, it has been revealed that a photo zone featuring Toyotomi is being operated during the tournament.

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

Professor Seo stated that the official website of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games cultural program guides visitors to a "Warlord Cosplay Photo Spot" operated by the city of Nagoya 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 photos as if they were warlords of Japan's Sengoku period.

Earlier on September 15, individuals dressed as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu also appeared at the Asian Games Athletes Village welcome ceremony, sparking controversy.

Amid a barrage of criticism, the Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee stated that while there was no intention to glorify specific historical figures, it acknowledged that it could be perceived differently depending on the audience and expressed its intention to prevent similar cases from recurring.

However, just a few hours later, the organizing committee openly uploaded a video featuring the appearance of Toyotomi on its official social media account, drawing public outrage.

The post even included the caption, "We brought their burning passion and powerful words to prepare for the sports festival."

Regarding this, Professor Seo argued, "This was nothing more than an insincere explanation," adding, "If they had a proper historical consciousness, they would not have brought up Toyotomi again like this."

He directly criticized the situation, stating, "Japan, which glorifies a war criminal by using the Asian Games—a festival for 4.9 billion Asians—should no longer host international sports events."

Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Kim Min-ji | Graphics by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.