Japan's national soccer team plays the North Korean team today in a qualifying match for the Asian World Cup in Saitama City, just north of Tokyo. Given the continued tense relations between the two countries, the Japanese government is calling on Japanese supporters to avoid quarreling with supporters of the North Korean team.
This call for calm among soccer fans that are internationally known for their good manners is unusual. Sports officials here cannot recall any acts of violence committed by Japanese supporters against those rooting for the opposite side. Mindful of the mistrust of North Korea that is spreading among the Japanese public over the abductee issue, we hope that Japanese fans continue their tradition of good conduct this time as well.
Cheering for the North Korean team will be ethnic Koreans who reside in Japan. Pyongyang has not sent supporters. About 4,500 residents are expected to come and watch the game under arrangements made by the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryun). The police and the Football Association of Japan are reportedly mobilizing about 3,400 security personnel.