Japan Is Down One Man At Asian Games Due To Ethics Code Violations

2026 ASIAN GAMES

• September 19th – October 4th
• Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
• LCM (50m)
• Meet Central

The 20th edition of the Asian Games is slated for September 19th through October 4th in Nagoya, Japan; however, one of the host nation’s swimmers previously named to the pool swimming roster will not be in the water once the prestigious multi-sport competition gets underway.

24-year-old Riku Matsuyama has withdrawn from both the Asian Games and the Pan Pacific Championships, with the backstroker being found in violation of ethics violations.

Although the swimmer has officially withdrawn due to ‘personal reasons’, Toshiaki Kurasawa, Acting Swimming Committee Chairman within the JASF, recently gave more details to the Asian media.

“During the first training camp in March, there was an act that violated the code of conduct,” said Kurasawa.

“I will refrain from giving details for the sake of his reputation, but we take the matter very seriously.”

Japanese Roster for 2026 Asian Games

Per an article on Sponichi, Kurasawa submitted a complaint to the federation’s executive board, which resulted in a ban on Matsuyama’s participation in the strengthening program and an indefinite suspension of his use of the High Performance Center facilities.

Kurasawa prefaced his remarks by saying that Matsuyama’s violation of the code of conduct was not an illegal or criminal act, but added that “it was inappropriate behavior for a member of Team Japan. Anyone could see that it was inappropriate for a national team member.”

You can see the full Sponichi article here.

The story is akin to what we learned about Olympic medalist Daiya Seto in 2020, with the versatile ace’s alleged extramarital affair rendering him removed as captain of the Japanese national team.

Matsuyama reaped the gold medal in the 50m back (25.13) and placed 3rd in the 100m back (54.34) at the Japan Swim in March, the competition which represented the sole qualification opportunity for Pan Pacs and the Asian Games.

In his absence, the burden lies with Hidekazu Takehara, Yumeko Kojima and Reo Miura as far as the backstroke discipline goes.

Matsuyama’s International Feats

• Bronze – men’s 4x100m medley relay at the 2023 World University Games
• Bronze – men’s 4x100m medley relay at the 2018 Pan Pacific Junior Championships
• 31st place – men’s 100m back at the 2024 Olympic Games