A Tokyo building with close links to North Korea will be sold to a real estate firm based in southwestern Japan.

The Japanese government is forcing the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan to sell the building to pay about 60 million dollars in debt.

The association counts many supporters of North Korea among its members and functions as a de-facto embassy.

The group racked up massive debt when multiple financial institutions serving pro-North Korean residents of Japan collapsed.

Marunaka Holdings will acquire the property in central Tokyo for about 22 million dollars.

A Mongolian company was set to buy the building last year for roughly 50 million dollars.

The deal fell apart after errors were uncovered in paperwork.

The Tokyo High Court then recognized Marunaka Holdings as the highest bidder.

The court will finalize the decision on Monday.