A pro-Pyongyang newspaper published in Japan says the New York Philharmonic's planned concert in North Korea will help thaw the North's frozen relations with the United States.

In an article entitled, "Music Diplomacy," the Choson Sinbo noted Friday that the national anthems of the two countries will be played during the performance, calling it a "good example" that music can help improve antagonistic relations.

The paper also reported that U.S. media have described the planned performance as a "history-making concert."