North Korean delegation arrives in Japan for Asian Games, with approximately 180 people dispatched

[Financial News] Some members of North Korea’s delegation for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have arrived in Japan. The Japanese government generally bans North Korean nationals from entering the country as part of its independent sanctions over North Korea’s nuclear and missile development, but has made exceptions for sports exchanges.
According to Kyodo News, North Korea’s football team arrived at Kansai International Airport in Osaka on the 11th as part of the country’s delegation to the Asian Games.
According to Choson Sinbo, North Korea will send more than 100 athletes across 14 sports to this year’s Asian Games, including two members affiliated with Chongryon. The full delegation, including interpreters and other support staff, is reportedly expected to number approximately 180 people.
Kyodo News described it as “the largest-ever North Korean delegation to visit Japan to participate in a sporting event.”
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