The Japanese government has begun considering allowing the entry of North Korea's sports delegation for the upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which open on September 19. According to reports from Kyodo News citing government sources, Tokyo is reviewing the measure despite its general prohibition on North Korean nationals entering the country as part of unilateral sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development. 

However, Japan has previously made humanitarian and sports-related exceptions for athletic exchanges. Notably, the North Korean women's national football team entered Japan in February 2024 for a Paris Olympics final qualifier, followed by the men's national football team in March 2024 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Citing sources from the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), Kyodo News reported that the North Korean delegation is expected to comprise approximately 180 people, including athletes and officials. If realized, this would mark the largest-ever North Korean contingent sent to a sports competition hosted in Japan. Ko Chol-ho, secretary-general of the North Korean Olympic Committee, previously stated in an interview with the Chongryon mouthpiece Choson Sinbo that about 100 athletes will compete across 14 sports, including football, weightlifting, and boxing. 

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly not planning to attend the opening ceremony in Nagoya on September 19. A senior Japanese government official told reporters that Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are scheduled to attend and officially declare the Games open.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]