According to Yomiuri Shimbun, a Japanese official revealed on July 7 that the government has discussed allowing North Korean athletes and others who wish to participate in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games scheduled for August 19 to enter Japan.
Reports say that the Japanese government has imposed so-called unilateral sanctions against North Korea regarding its nuclear and missile development. In principle, it prohibits citizens of North Korea from entering Japan. However, in terms of sports exchanges, exceptions have been made in the past.
In February 2024, North Korean female soccer players arrived at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan, to participate in the final Asian qualifiers for the Paris Olympics.
Since June, participating athletes have gradually entered Japan. Athletes from Jordan and South Korea have arrived at Chubu International Airport in Nakano City, Aichi Prefecture.
That afternoon, Jordanian men's basketball players arrived at the hall with smiles on their faces. Subsequently, the Korean sailing team, consisting of men and women wearing uniforms with the national flag pattern, also arrived one after another. The event officials welcomed them with warm applause and hugs.
This Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, featuring competitions in more than 40 sports. The number of participating athletes is expected to exceed the initial estimate of at most 15,000 people. Additionally, from October 18 to 24, the first Asian Para Games will be held in Japan.
On the 7th, a senior Japanese government official revealed that it is expected that Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine will not attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games. The Japanese Emperor and Empress will attend the ceremony, with the Emperor announcing the opening. Akiko Miyano, who serves as the honorary president of this event, will be present along with Empress Kiko.
