Former table tennis star Ai Fukuhara participated in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games torch relay, carrying the flame through Aichi Prefecture. The public appearance follows her remarriage in late 2025, the birth of her child, and a gradual return to Japanese television and table tennis events.
Ai Fukuhara Returns to the Public Eye at the 2026 Asian Games
Former Japanese table tennis player Ai Fukuhara carried the flame as a torchbearer for the upcoming 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled to run from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The torch relay began on August 22, passing through various locations across Aichi Prefecture with participation from multiple Japanese athletes and public figures. Fukuhara served as the final torchbearer for her designated area, running the flame directly into the event venue.
Rebuilding a Career After Years of Public Scrutiny and Legal Settlement
The high-profile appearance marks another step in Fukuhara’s steady return to public life following a turbulent period in her personal and professional life. Known widely in Japan as a genius table tennis girl who began playing at age three, she claimed a women’s team silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a women’s team bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Her marriage to Taiwanese table tennis player Chiang Hung-chieh, established in September 2016 after the two met through the sport, ended in July 2021 following intense media coverage surrounding her interactions with an acquaintance in Yokohama. While Fukuhara denied allegations of an improper relationship at the time, she issued a public apology for her thoughtless actions, and public sentiment in Japan turned sharply negative.
The separation led to subsequent legal battles over child custody issues between Fukuhara and Chiang across 2022 and 2023. The dispute reached a turning point in March 2024 when Fukuhara appeared at a press conference in Tokyo to announce that she and Chiang had reached a settlement, agreeing to cooperate in raising their children.
Remarriage, Family Life, and a Return to Japanese Television
Following the resolution of her custody disputes, Fukuhara entered a new chapter in her personal life. She announced the birth of her third child earlier in the year.
Her media presence has rebounded accordingly. In June, Fukuhara appeared on the Kansai Television program Okabero, marking her first appearance on a Japanese terrestrial television broadcast in approximately three years. During the program, she discussed her husband, noting that he encourages her to avoid scrolling through online news and even removed related news applications from her phone.
Upcoming Table Tennis Events and Crowned Tournaments
Beyond her appearance at the Asian Games, Fukuhara’s autumn and spring calendar features multiple table tennis commitments across Japan. She is scheduled to visit Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, on September 26 and 27 to serve as a special guest for an athletic event involving panel discussions and sports exchanges.
Looking further ahead, Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, will host the inaugural Ichihara Ai Fukuhara (FSC) Open Double Table Tennis Championship on March 6, 2027. The competition marks the first tournament named directly in her honor as she continues rebuilding her public standing in the sports community.
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