Bidding has begun for the repossessed central headquarters of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, North Korea's de-facto embassy in the country. It's an attempt by the Japanese government to get back some of the ¥62.7 billion owed by the pro-Pyongyang group, also known as Chongryon, and comes as the reclusive regime faces a new round of sanctions and international condemnation following its third nuclear test.

Built in 1986, the 10-story office building has two basement floors and is situated on a 2,390 square-meter...