Japan lawmaker punished for unauthorized N.Korea visit

Antonio Inoki, a lawmaker of Japan's House of Councilors, was prohibited from attending parliament for 30 days as punishment for his unauthorized visit to Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), local media reported Friday.

The disciplinary committee of the upper house proposed the punishment on Thursday, which was endorsed by both ruling and opposition parties Friday. This is the first of this kind of punishment made by the house in more than 60 years.

Inoki, a 70 year-old former professional wrestler, visited DPRK for six days through Nov. 7. He insisted his visit to Pyongyang was just for his nonprofit organization of sports. During his trip, he met some senior DPRK officials, including an uncle and top aide to the country's leader Kim Jong Un.

Japan has no diplomatic relations with DPRK and the two countries have long been at odds. Japanese lawmakers are required to obtain permission from parliament to visit the country.

According to Kyodo News, the 30-day prohibition of Diet attendance is relatively light, as the committee could have decided to annul his Diet membership. Inoki has said before he would accept the Diet's decision.