ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan marked the 70th anniversary of Japan Self Defence Forces (JSDF) Day with a reception hosted by Charge d’Affaires Takano Shuichi and Ms Takano Asako on Wednesday.

The event saw representation from the JSDF by Defence Attache Col Abe Kazuo. The delighted guests were greeted by Ambassador-designate Akamatsu Shuichi and Mrs Akamatsu Yumiko.

Air Marshal Mohammad Sarfraz, who is deputy chief of air staff (projects), Air Headquarters, graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The gathering included military officials, government representatives, parliamentarians, diplomats and other dignitaries from various sectors.

In his address, Takano Shuichi highlighted the growing defence cooperation between Japan and Pakistan, emphasising the importance of fostering deeper exchanges.

He went on to name a few of the many areas of cooperation between the countries, their roles in humanitarian assistance, maritime connectivity and more.

“I believe that the deepening of the exchanges and cooperation between the JSDF and Pakistan Armed Forces will lead to strengthening the Japan-Pakistan relations,” Takano Shuichisaid.

He cited notable collaborations, such as the goodwill exercise conducted in August 2024, between Pakistan Navy’s PNS Yarmook and Japan’s Counter Piracy Enforcement Unit, JS Samidare, in the Gulf of Oman.

The exercise was aimed to deter piracy and secure merchant vessel navigation.

Takano Shuichi also mentioned Japan’s planned participation in the multilateral ‘Aman25’ naval exercise in February 2025, hosted by the Pakistan Navy, as a step toward realising a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’.

Reflecting on disaster relief cooperation, Mr Takano recalled JSDF’s assistance during Pakistan’s 2005, earthquake and 2010 floods, where helicopter units transported relief supplies and aided affected individuals. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistani community in Japan for their support during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.

Ambassador-designate Akamatsu Shuichi expressed enthusiasm for his new role, emphasising the enduring friendship between Japan and Pakistan. “Together, we can build a future that fosters mutual growth and understanding,” he said.

JSDF Day commemorates the establishment of the Japan Defence Agency (now the Ministry of Defence) and the JSDF on July 1, 1954. However, the celebration date was moved to November 1, to account for Japan’s summer typhoon season, ensuring the JSDF remained available for disaster response.

The event underscored the shared values and cooperation between the two nations, fostering a vision of peace and prosperity.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2024