"Over 2m Tall, But the Bed Is...": Controversy Over Container Accommodations at Asian Games in Japan

Distributed Accommodation Across Hotels, Cruise Ships, and Containers Instead of Apartment-Style Athletes’ Village
Lee Hyunjung Offers a Wry Smile, Calling Life “Difficult”

During the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, there have been complaints among athletes regarding the container-type accommodation provided instead of a traditional athletes' village, with many expressing dissatisfaction about the cramped space.

Container-type accommodation at Garden Pier, Minato Ward, Nagoya City, Japan. Tokai TV YouTube

According to Japan's Nikkan Sports on September 12, athletes staying at the container-type accommodation at Garden Pier, Minato Ward, Nagoya City—which is one of the accommodation bases for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games delegations—have repeatedly shared that the space is "cramped."

Previously, the organizing committee decided not to build a separate high-rise apartment-style athletes' village, opting instead to distribute athletes among existing hotels, large cruise ships, and prefabricated containers, citing reasons of cost reduction and environmental sustainability. Approximately 9,000 people will stay in hotels and other existing accommodations, about 4,000 on cruise ships, and around 2,000 in container accommodation units.

Among these, the container-type lodging facilities at Garden Pier have sparked concerns about limited space since the planning stage. These container-type accommodations, which are also used in times of disaster, measure about 70 square meters per unit and are divided into two 35-square-meter rooms. Each space is equipped with four beds, and up to six people can occupy each unit.

Since men's basketball events began on the 10th, many athletes taller than two meters have been present. Lee Hyunjung, a member of the South Korean men’s basketball team and 202cm tall, commented that “living here is tough,” and offered a wry smile, according to the report.

The beds likewise are reportedly not large enough for the athletes' stature. However, Lee added, “Even if we complain, there’s no other choice. We're considering ways to make the space as comfortable as possible.”

Container-type accommodation at Garden Wharf, Minato Ward, Nagoya City, Japan. Tokai TV YouTube, Japan

A Taiwanese athlete also commented, “It cannot be said that the space is sufficiently wide.” One of the coaches on the Taiwanese delegation stated, “There is no problem with the basic functions needed for living, but athletes seem to feel cramped when inside their rooms.”

On the other hand, there has been mostly positive feedback regarding the cafeteria, which offers 35 types of dishes including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. A female staff member from the Kazakhstan Olympic Committee said, “The meals are well-balanced nutritionally, and with so much variety, they don't get boring.”

This Asian Games will open on September 19 and run until October 4. South Korea is sending a delegation of 1,052 athletes and staff members to compete in 41 events, aiming to win between 40 and 45 gold medals. The main team will depart on September 17.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.