International eSports Cultural Exchange Program in Aichi for 2026 Asian Games

International eSports Cultural Exchange Program Held in Aichi

In preparation for the 20th Asian Games scheduled for 2026 in Aichi, Japan, an exciting eSports international exchange program was held to welcome participants from 15 Asian nations. Organized by the Aichi eSports Union (JeSU Aichi) in collaboration with GAKU, an education venture based in Singapore, this program, named GAKU CULTURAL BOOTCAMP, took place from September 20 to 24, 2025.

Overview of the Program

This enriching event was attended by a total of 54 participants, which included 16 eSports players and 15 officials representing various Asian countries, alongside 15 domestic eSports players and 8 local stakeholders. The participating countries comprised South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Kyrgyzstan, India, Jordan, Laos, Kuwait, and Bangladesh.

The event's primary aim was to foster international relationships and promote eSports as a cultural and competitive platform across Asia, especially leading up to the regional showcase that will be the Asian Games in 2026.

Key Components of the Program

During the 5-day program, participants engaged in a range of interactive and educational activities:

Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Countdown Event

Participants took the stage during a pre-Asian Games event hosted by Aichi Prefecture, where two representatives from Kuwait and Singapore shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming competition, inspiring all attendees.

eSports Training Sessions

Training took place at the Comifa eSports Stadium in Nagoya and the NTP Esports Plaza. Participants were divided into four game categories for specialized practice sessions that involved collaboration with Japanese players and coaches. This training was crucial for enhancing their skills in preparation for the games.

Venue Exploration at Aichi Sky EXPO

Attendees toured Aichi Sky EXPO, the venue for the Asian Games. The venue management provided insights about the operations and logistics planned for the event, ensuring countries could take valuable information back home.

Media Training Exercises

Participants also underwent media training where they practiced speaking on camera about their aspirations and experiences, emphasizing the significance of effective communication for professional athletes.

One-on-One Meetings

Countries' representatives engaged in one-on-one meetings with local eSports officials. These sessions proved beneficial for sharing insights on the development of eSports culture in their home countries and establishing potential partnerships.

Cultural Exchange Activities

The program included cultural elements, such as a visit to Nagoya Castle and social gatherings featuring traditional Japanese attire. Meals were predominantly Japanese cuisine, allowing players to immerse themselves in the local culture. The evenings included optional karaoke outings, further enriching their experience.

Future Events

The Aichi eSports Union and GAKU plan to continue their international exchange initiatives, with the next event tentatively scheduled for spring 2026 in Tokyo. They welcome partnerships from organizations interested in supporting these efforts.

About GAKU

GAKU is dedicated to spreading awareness of the positive aspects of eSports across generations. Their mission entails promoting responsible technology use and emphasizing the impacts eSports can have on daily life. They collaborate with government bodies, educational institutions, charities, and gaming companies to foster excellence in competitive gaming while enhancing cultural comprehension. More information can be found on their official site at GAKU or on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Aichi eSports Union

Established in February 2018 and officially recognized in October 2019, the Aichi eSports Union aims to promote the development of eSports within Aichi and Nagoya. Their efforts focus on leveraging eSports to stimulate economic growth in the region, particularly with the upcoming Asian Games in 2026 being a significant focal point.

As the union continues to grow, they also seek to recruit new members and encourage corporate and government collaboration in eSports initiatives. Interested parties are welcome to reach out for more information.