Asian Games Close Japan's Total Medal Count: 205 Ikee Named MVP

The Asian Games, held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, concluded on September 2.
(Photo: Fort Kishimoto)

Over 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions participated in the Games, with intense competition unfolding over 16 days across 40 sports and 465 events.
Japan sent its largest delegation ever, led by Team Leader Yasuhiro Yamashita, winning a total of 205 medals, including 75 gold medals.
This gold medal count surpassed the previous Games (Incheon 2014) by 28, providing momentum for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
China topped the medal count with 289 medals (132 gold), followed by Japan in second place and South Korea in third with 177 medals (49 gold).

Japan won 52 medals, including 19 gold medals in swimming.
Among them, swimmer Rikako Ikee dominated all individual events, winning a total of six gold medals and being selected as the Games' MVP.
In judo, athletes including Shohei Ono won a total of nine gold medals: eight in individual events and one in the mixed team event.
In athletics, athletes including Daichi Inoue (marathon) and Keisuke Ushiro (decathlon) won a total of 6 gold medals, including the men's 4×100-meter relay.

■ Closing Ceremony

Held at the GBK Main Stadium in Jakarta starting at 7:00 PM local time, the same venue as the opening ceremony.
The field featured vibrant performances by marching bands and others, energizing the venue.
Japan marched with swimmer Rikako Ikee serving as flag bearer. When the host nation Indonesia entered, huge cheers erupted for their team, which had increased its gold medal count to about eight times that of the previous Games.
President Joko Widodo sent a video message from Lombok Island, which had been hit by a major earthquake, praising the achievements of his country's athletes.
Ahmad, President of the Asian Olympic Council (OCA), which hosted the Games, praised the event's success and expressed gratitude to the volunteers. The OCA flag was then handed over to Hangzhou, China, the host city for the next Games in 2022.
The 2026 Games will be co-hosted by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City.

■ Sponsors

Otsuka Pharmaceutical, which has supported the Games for the past four editions, was again listed as an Official Partner. It contributed to the Games by providing the health drink "Pocari Sweat" and the soy bar "SOYJOY" to participating athletes and spectators. The company has sold Pocari Sweat in Indonesia since 1989 and SOYJOY since 2007.

Canon set up a camera service center within the venue to support press staff. It also provided a wide range of products and solutions to support tournament operations, including input devices such as video cameras and broadcast equipment, output devices like copiers and printers, and medical equipment.