Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi hosted a grand reception in Islamabad to mark the 65th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on February 18.
The event, a momentous occasion for both nations, was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, alongside several other distinguished guests.
This celebration, held at Serena Hotel, also commemorating the seventh year of Emperor Naruhito’s reign, offered an opportunity to reflect on the enduring friendship between Japan and Pakistan.
Ambassador Akamatsu, in his address, welcomed the gathering and shared his personal experiences since arriving in Pakistan in late November 2024. The ambassador expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he received and mentioned the many positive remarks he had heard about Japan from the Pakistani public.
He said he was encouraged by many favorable remarks about Japan and the expectation to strengthen the ties with Japan, and said that “there still lies an unlimited space for cooperation between our two countries.”
Touching on the current global landscape, the ambassador emphasized the urgent need for restoring peace and stability, citing the ongoing challenges to the rule of law worldwide. He emphasized that in these times “Japan is committed to cooperating with Pakistan in order to bring harmony and cooperation to this divided international society.”
A key focus of Ambassador Akamatsu’s speech was Japan’s long-standing support for Pakistan, noting Japan’s dedication to providing Official Development Assistance (ODA) for over 70 years. He reiterated Japan’s philosophy of development, saying, “Our approach is not just about providing aid, but empowering through collaboration—’not only providing fish, but teaching how to fish.’”
The ambassador also highlighted his desire for increased human resource exchanges and cultural interactions between the two nations, particularly with the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka. He encouraged Pakistanis to attend the Expo, saying, “Seeing is believing,” in a bid to foster deeper mutual understanding.
Ambassador Akamatsu hoped that these exchanges lead to a stronger friendship between Japan and Pakistan, one that aligns with the demands of the modern age.
The evening’s festivities included performances by students from the Islamabad Japanese School, who showcased traditional Japanese drums and a folk dance, ‘So-ran bushi.’ The event also featured captivating exhibitions, including Ikebana and Bonsai arts, presented by the Lahore Sogetsu Study Group and the Lahore Bonsai Society. In addition, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and various Japanese companies contributed to the exhibition, adding a cultural touch to the event.
Ambassador AKAMATSU’s celebration of Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday not only marked a significant milestone in Japan’s history but also reaffirmed the strong and growing ties between Japan and Pakistan.