The Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, hosted a grand reception at a local hotel to commemorate the 65th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito in Islamabad.
The event was graced by Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, who attended as the chief guest. The gathering brought together an esteemed audience, including diplomats, senior government officials, and prominent figures from the business and cultural sectors.
Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, attended the Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebration as the chief guest in Islamabad. In his speech, the minister praised the Emperor’s reign, which has been characterized by a deep commitment to the well-being of his people and the advancement of Japan as a global leader in technology, culture, and sustainable development. “His Majesty’s vision of harmony, resilience, and innovation has not only propelled Japan to remarkable heights but has also inspired the world,” he remarked. He conveyed warm congratulations on behalf of Pakistan and emphasized the strong and time-tested ties between the two nations.
The minister highlighted Japan’s contributions to global peace, humanitarian efforts, and sustainability, stressing that Pakistan values its partnership with Japan in trade, investment, and human resource development. He acknowledged Japan’s investments in Pakistan and praised the role of JICA and JETRO in economic collaboration.
The minister thanked the Japanese government and companies for their ongoing investment in Pakistan, highlighting the presence of over 80 Japanese firms in key industries. He emphasized Pakistan’s strategic location as a prime hub for trade and investment, offering significant opportunities for Japanese businesses.
In his address, Ambassador Akamatsu reflected on his experiences in Pakistan since his arrival in late November 2024, expressing appreciation for the warm sentiments toward Japan and the enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties. “There still lies an unlimited space for cooperation between our two countries,”.
The Ambassador underscored Japan’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in an increasingly divided international landscape. “The rule of law is being challenged in many ways, making it our urgent task to uphold international harmony. Japan is committed to working with Pakistan to achieve this goal,” he stated.
Ambassador Akamatsu reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing support for Pakistan through over 70 years of Official Development Assistance (ODA). He emphasized Japan’s development philosophy of sustainable assistance, saying, “Not only providing fish, but also teaching how to fish, based on mutual respect and collaboration.”
Highlighting cultural and people-to-people exchanges, he encouraged greater participation from Pakistan in Expo 2025, scheduled to take place in Osaka, Kansai from April to October this year. Referring to the Japanese saying “seeing is believing,” he invited Pakistanis to experience Japan firsthand.
The event commenced with the National Anthems of Japan and Pakistan, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting by the Ambassador Shuichi alongside the Chief Guest Minister Jam Kamal.
The evening also featured a vibrant showcase of Japanese culture. Students from the Islamabad Japanese School performed traditional taiko drumming and the folk dance ‘So-ran bushi.’ Exhibitions of Ikebana and Bonsai, organized by the Lahore Sogetsu Study Group and the Lahore Bonsai Society, were also on display, along with exhibits by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japanese companies.
Ambassador Akamatsu concluded his speech by expressing his hope for stronger ties between the two nations, saying, “I wish for more active exchanges between Japan and Pakistan, fostering a friendship that meets the demands of this new era.”
