Why is N. Korea sending bigger-than-expected team to Asian Games in Japan?

North Korea is sending a larger-than-anticipated delegation to the upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. The nation is aiming to secure medals in events such as women's football, table tennis, weightlifting, and more. This increased representation comes as the relationship between the two Koreas has reached an all-time low, with Pyongyang recently removing references to "unification" and "the Korean nation" from the Workers' Party of Korea's rules.

According to Japan's Kyodo News, a delegation of approximately 60 North Koreans arrived in Beijing by flight from Pyongyang on Tuesday. The group is set to enter Japan as soon as Thursday, once granted approval by the Japanese authorities. Despite Japan's typical ban on North Korean citizens entering the country due to its sanctions against Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, exceptions have been made for sporting events.

The delegation is anticipated to consist of around 180 individuals and will participate in 14 sports, including football, weightlifting, table tennis, and wrestling. This figure surpasses what was previously reported.