NewJapanese lawmaker in effort to 'build peace' with pro-wrestling extravaganza in North Korea

A Japanese parliamentarian arrived in North Korea on Thursday with more than 20 pro-wrestlers to stage a rare combat sports extravaganza this weekend, saying that he will seek world peace from one of the world’s most isolated countries.

The visit by Antonio Inoki, an opposition party lawmaker, comes as Japan and North Korea, which have never had diplomatic relations, are trying to resolve major outstanding issues.

Japan last month lifted some unilateral sanctions against North Korea in return for its opening of a fresh probe into the whereabouts of at least 12 Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang agents in the 1970s and 1980s.

The two-day event in the North Korean capital, bringing together 21 fighters from countries including Japan, Brazil, China, France and the United States, is expected to attract some 40,000 spectators.

Following the removal of the sanctions, which included travel restrictions to and from North Korea, nearly 60 Japanese tourists are expected to arrive Friday in Pyongyang to watch the show in the Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Gymnasium.

In addition to pro-wrestling matches, it will feature demonstrations of Japanese and Korean martial arts.