Ivan Yang, Lydia Sham to be Asian Games flag bearers

North Korea has sent an unprecedented delegation to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, potentially paving the way for limited diplomacy between Washington and Tokyo. The 180-person team, led by Sports Minister Kim Il-guk, includes athletes from 14 sports and support staff, marking the largest North Korean sporting delegation ever to visit Japan.

State media reported the delegation's departure on Wednesday. Tokyo typically blocks North Korean nationals from entry due to sanctions related to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, making this visit rare.

Observers believe the North Koreans are using the international stage to project stability and shed its reputation as a pariah state. Senior researcher Oh Gyeong-seob from the Korea Institute for National Unification noted that the move could provide an opportunity for cautious contacts and potential dialogue, but acknowledged slim chances.

Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, previously stated in March that a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi would not happen as long as Japan insisted on denuclearization and the return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago.

South Korean and Japanese officials had hoped to capitalize on Pyongyang's presence to pursue diplomatic outreach, yet Pyongyang has shown no interest in dialoguing with anyone besides Trump. Victor Cha, a Korea chair at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, suggested that North Korea might view a meeting with Trump as an opportunity, given his expressed desire to meet and his malleable stance on denuclearization.

Cha indicated that North Korea might also focus on re-engaging with Tokyo, potentially reviving a 2002 declaration that could unlock billions in economic aid and normalisation settlements.

However, the interests of the United States and Japan may not align with North Korea's goals. Takaichi may see no risk in engaging Pyongyang, while Trump prioritizes the long-range ballistic missiles targeting the US. Meanwhile, Beijing could play a role in promoting US-North Korea diplomacy, countering Russia's growing influence over North Korea. Despite the challenges, the Games offer Pyongyang a platform to project stability, maintain domestic propaganda, and showcase the superiority of its political system.