Real estate developer Marunaka Holdings Co. has handed over the funds to buy the Tokyo headquarters of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, a pro-North Korea group also known as Chongryon, after the property was put up for public auction.
As soon as the Tokyo District Court confirms the payment, the company will become the owner of the property, which has functioned as North Korea's de facto embassy in Japan in the absence of bilateral diplomatic relations, sources said Friday.
Marunaka said it was buying the building and land for investment purposes and that it wants Chongryon to vacate it immediately. If the group refuses to do so, Marunaka may apply to the district court for compulsory seizure.
Marunaka, based in Kagawa Prefecture, was the successful bidder with an offer of ¥2.21 billion. Payment was due by Dec. 8.