North Korean athletes arrive in Japan for Asian Games

North Korean athletes have begun arriving in Japan for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which are scheduled to open on September 19. The North Korean men’s football team arrived at Kansai International Airport on September 11, where they were met by supporters. The delegation is expected to include approximately 180 participants competing in 14 sports.

Despite Japan’s general policy of prohibiting entry for North Korean nationals as part of its independent sanctions, the Japanese government granted exceptional entry permission for the delegation. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiyoomi Kihara explained that the decision was based on the Asian Olympic Council (OCA) charter, which stipulates that host countries should not refuse visits from official events, and the unique nature of international sporting exchanges. Kihara noted that the principle of prohibiting North Korean nationals from entering Japan remains unchanged.

Representatives for the North Korean delegation have also made specific requests to Japanese media. They have asked that the country be referred to as the ‘Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’ or ‘DPRK’ to protect the dignity of the athletes. Additionally, they requested that media coverage respect human rights and refrain from reporting that could incite defamation or discrimination against the athletes or their supporters in Japan.