Japanese wrestler-turned-parliamentarian Antonio Inoki arrived Thursday in North Korea, with a plan to meet with senior officials at a time of escalating tensions.
The visit by Inoki, an independent lawmaker, comes as North Korea conducted what appears to be another nuclear test, prompting criticism from Japan and other countries.
Inoki has said his trip is timed to coincide with the 68th anniversary of North Korea's founding on Friday and the main purpose is to promote sports exchanges.