Nagoya, Financial Powerhouse of Japan
With over two million inhabitants, Nagoya (名古屋) is the fourth most populated city in Japan, after Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka. As the capital of Aichi Prefecture (愛知県), not only is Nagoya a major urban center between Tokyo and Kyoto, but also a gateway to access Kanazawa, Takayama and other destinations in the Hokuriku (北陸) region.
History of modern Nagoya began to take shape in 1610, when Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康) ordered the construction of Nagoya Castle (名古屋城), transferring the local lords from Kiyosu Castle to the new stronghold. Its urban planning influences the current layout. Note that it is the birthplace of the very first Shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo (源頼朝), and the origins of the Three Unifiers, Oda Nobunaga (織田信長), Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豐臣秀吉) and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Nagoya Castle is famous for its golden roof ornaments, and the luxurious reconstructed Honmaru Palace. On the other hand, the Great Shrine of Atsuta (熱田神宮), the second most venerated shrine, was established around 1,900 years ago. It is home to the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (草薙の剣), the legendary sacred sword that forms one of the Three Sacred Imperial Treasures of Japan.
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 brought significant changes to Nagoya, embracing modernization and establishing some of Japan’s first modern industries. Nagoya was officially incorporated as a city in 1889, and by the end of the 19th century, it had developed a modern infrastructure, such as railways, telephones, and electricity, leading Nagoya to emerge as a major industrial center.
During World War II, Nagoya suffered extensive damage from air raids due to its role as an industrial center. Including the Nagoya Castle, the city’s industrial facilities were largely destroyed. However Nagoya rose from these ashes in the post-war period, and became one of most important industrial and economic centers in Japan. Coupled with the Greater Tokyo Area and the Kansai region, the Chukyo (Nagoya) region is one of the three major economic regions.
Prominent companies include Toyota from automobiles, Noritake from fine ceramics, and DMG Mori Seiki from machine tool manufacturers. Inside the red-brick textile factory, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology features exhibits covering the company's massive influence on the manufacturing industry since its early days as a textile company.
“Imagine One Asia (ここで、ひとつに)”. The Olympic Council of Asia said that a near 20% jump in revenue and a slew of world records proved the 2026 Asian Games were a success. Yet, it saw a catalogue of mishaps, from low attendance, accommodation shortages even with a cruise ship, to playing the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean hockey team. Seeking public support and a sustainable solution for hosting the Sapporo Winter Olympics might not be easy.
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