Tokyo weighs permitting North Korean athletes and officials to attend Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

Tokyo is currently assessing a request to allow a North Korean sports delegation into Japan for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games scheduled for mid-September to early October. Although Japan’s sanctions prohibit entry by North Korean citizens because of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, the government has previously granted temporary waivers for international competitions, such as a Paris Olympic qualifier in February 2024.

Officials estimate the upcoming delegation will number roughly 180 participants, making it the biggest North Korean contingent to travel to Japan for sport. The decision is being discussed with input from the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan. In contrast, South Korea plans to field 792 athletes across 41 sports, supported by 260 officials, according to its Olympic committee.