Asian Games 2026 mascot: All you need to know about Honohon

Honohon has a predominantly white body with red features and flame-like elements. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The 20th Asian Games, to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, will have Honohon as its official mascot.

The character’s design is inspired by the Shachihoko, a mythical creature traditionally depicted with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp. The Shachihoko is closely associated with Nagoya and is one of the distinctive symbols of the Nagoya Castle. The mascot also incorporates the image of a flame, representing the passion and determination of athletes competing at the Games.

What does Honohon mean?

The name Honohon is derived from the Japanese word ‘ honoho’, which is connected to the origin of the Japanese word for flame.

What does Honohon look like?

Honohon has a predominantly white body with red features and flame-like elements.

The mascot has large eyes and Shachihoko-inspired ears. According to the organisers, its large eyes allow it to watch over athletes competing at the Games, while its ears are capable of hearing the cheers.

Honohon also has red markings around its eyes inspired by Kumadori, the traditional makeup associated with Kabuki theatre.

The markings are linked to Aichi-Nagoya’s cultural history and its association with Kabukimono, the eccentric samurai figures associated with martial arts, scholarship and the arts.

Who designed the Asian Games 2026 mascot?

Honohon was designed by Yoshiyuki Nakagawa, a Japanese graphic designer.