Sport
Nagoya Deploys Hawks to Clear Crows for Asian Games Events
Nagoya city officials have employed hawks to deter crows and manage bird droppings along the 20th Asian Games marathon and race-walking routes.
As Nagoya prepares to host the 20th Asian Games, local authorities have implemented a unique solution to address sanitation concerns along the competition routes. According to reports from TV Asahi and Khaosod Online, the city has hired falconers to fly hawks near the Sannomaru area in Naka Ward.
Hiromoji Uesugi, director of the Naka Ward Public Works Office, explained that the area had become a significant roosting site for crows, leading to excessive bird droppings that posed a cleanliness issue for the race paths. The hawks are being used to signal the presence of a natural predator, effectively discouraging the crows from gathering. This measure was specifically timed to support the 20km race-walking event held on September 23 and the upcoming marathon scheduled for September 27, 2026.
For residents and visitors in the area, this initiative highlights the city's efforts to maintain hygiene standards during the high-profile sporting event. While the use of birds of prey is a targeted intervention for the games, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing urban wildlife management challenges in the city. It remains to be seen if these measures will be sufficient to keep the routes clear throughout the remainder of the competition schedule or if further sanitation efforts will be required.