Japan is deliberating whether to permit North Korean athletes to compete in the 2025 Asian Games in Nagoya, following North Korea’s expressed interest in participating. This decision comes despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two nations and North Korea’s non-participation when Japan last hosted the Games in 1994. Since 2016, Japan has enforced a ban on North Korean citizens entering the country due to concerns over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. However, exceptions have been made for North Korean athletes to participate in international sports events. According to Kyodo News, North Korea has indicated plans to send approximately 150 athletes to compete in 17 events during the Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2025. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, confirmed that the Asian Games’ organizing committee has consulted the Japanese sports ministry regarding this matter. The government is currently evaluating the request through inter-ministerial consultations. Notably, North Korea participated in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, securing 11 gold medals and a total of 39 medals. The decision on North Korea’s participation in the Nagoya Games remains pending, reflecting the complex interplay between sports and diplomacy.