North Korea sends record delegation to Japan Asian Games, possible diplomatic opening

North Korea has dispatched a 180-strong delegation led by sports minister Kim Il-guk to the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, its largest-ever such mission. The move may signal a calculated, limited diplomatic opening toward Tokyo and Washington, though formal talks remain blocked by nuclear and missile issues. The visit marks a rare high-level North Korean presence in Japan and could test the waters for broader engagement.