Japan’s foreign ministry has issued a stern warning to football fans, advising against traveling to North Korea for an upcoming World Cup qualifier match in Pyongyang on March 26. The ministry “strongly requests the general public to refrain” from attending the match, citing North Korea’s hostile stance towards Japan as a reason for concern. This caution comes ahead of the first match between the two sides in North Korea since 2011.
Security concerns have arisen regarding the return fixture between Japan and North Korea scheduled for Pyongyang in the World Cup qualifiers, despite the first leg proceeding in Tokyo on Thursday. While Japan discourages its nationals from traveling to North Korea due to the absence of diplomatic relations and historical tensions, it does not explicitly prohibit such travel. Nevertheless, the Tokyo government advises against it, emphasizing North Korea’s antagonistic view of Japan.
The decision to play the match in Pyongyang has sparked uncertainty about fan attendance, as travelers would require a North Korean visa. Despite the cautionary measures, a delegation of government officials and a limited number of media outlets will accompany the Japanese team for the match. Tensions between Japan and North Korea persist due to historical grievances, including Japan’s colonial occupation of the Korean peninsula and North Korea’s abduction of Japanese citizens.
