| III East Asian Games | |
| Host City: | Osaka, Japan |
| Nations: | 9 |
| Athletes: | 2804 |
| Events: | 15 sports |
| Opening: | May 19, 2001 |
| Closing: | May 27, 2001 |
| Opened By: | Prince Takamado |
| Torch Lighter: | Naoko Takahashi |
| Stadium: | Osaka Dome |
| Prev: | 1997 Busan |
The 3rd East Asian Games were held in Osaka, Japan from May 19 to 27, 2001. The host China and Japan each ended with 191 medals, although China's tally included 85 golds, compared to Japan's 61.[1]
The 2001 East Asian Games featured events in 15 sports, which was a new high for the competition.