Japan has issued a warning advising football fans against traveling to North Korea for the upcoming World Cup qualifier, citing the hostile relationship between the two countries.

In a precautionary move, Japan has strongly advised football fans against attempting to travel to North Korea for the upcoming World Cup qualifier scheduled on March 26. The warning, issued by the Tokyo foreign ministry, emphasized the hostile stance that North Korea holds towards Japan, discouraging the general public from attending the match.

The match between Japan and North Korea, set to take place in Pyongyang, marks the first encounter between the two sides on North Korean soil since 2011. Given the strained relations and historical tensions between the two countries, the Tokyo foreign ministry reiterated its long-standing recommendation for Japanese nationals to refrain from traveling to North Korea.

While the advisory does not expressly forbid Japanese citizens from traveling to North Korea, it highlights the potential risks associated with such a trip, including the need for a North Korean visa and the absence of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Despite the warning, fourteen government officials are set to accompany the Japan team for the match, along with a limited number of media outlets. This cautious approach underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the fixture.

Relations between Japan and North Korea have been marred by historical grievances, including Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula and North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens in the past. The match in Tokyo, on the other hand, is expected to witness a significant turnout of North Korean supporters from Japan's ethnic Korean community, reflecting the intricate cultural and historical ties between the two countries.