Athletes at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will be housed in a cruise ship and wooden container-style units, a plan organisers describe as offering a 'unique experience'. About half of the 15,000 athletes and officials will stay in the temporary accommodation in Nagoya and the wider Aichi region during the September 19 to October 4 event, while the rest will be placed in hotels, including in Tokyo.

Between 4,000 and 5,000 participants will stay aboard the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena, docked at Nagoya Port, while around 2,000 others will live in newly installed wooden huts at Garden Pier. Organisers say the approach is more cost-effective than building a traditional athletes' village, though some have raised concerns about tight spaces and the timing during Japan's typhoon season.

Officials say emergency preparations are in place and that forecasting improvements allow close monitoring of approaching storms. With venues nearing completion and ticket sales under way, organisers report that preparations are on schedule and public interest is growing ahead of the Games.