Pro-Pyongyang group in Japan calls cheering for N. Korean athletes 'patriotic' mission ahead of Asian Games

A pro-North Korea group in Japan is urging enthusiastic cheering for the North Korean athletes participating in the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, branding it a patriotic mission. North Korea will field approximately 100 athletes in 14 different sports, including football, weightlifting, table tennis, and wrestling, for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

Chanting for North Korean athletes is not merely a supportive gesture, but a public display of Chongryon, the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, and North Korean residents in Japan, as reported by the Choson Sinbo, a Japan-based pro-North Korean newspaper on Tuesday. Chongryon refers to the organization representing Koreans living in Japan.

The newspaper contends that the Asian Games provide an opportunity to foster patriotism, citing the challenging circumstances faced by Chongryon and North Koreans residing in Japan. It calls upon Chongryon members to engage actively in grassroots efforts to back the athletes, positioning the campaign as a means to showcase the group's unity and strength to the Japanese populace.