The Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics were held from February 7 to February 22, 1998, in Nagano, Japan. This event marked the 18th edition of the Winter Olympic Games, featuring athletes from 72 nations competing in 68 events across 7 sports. The games were notable for introducing new sports, including snowboarding and curling, which attracted significant attention. The United States topped the medal count, winning a total of 13 medals, while Germany and Norway also performed strongly. The event was celebrated for its organization and the picturesque backdrop of the Japanese Alps.