ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Shuichi Akamatsu on Tuesday highlighted Pakistan’s strong goodwill towards Japan and emphasised the vast potential for further collaboration between the two nations.

The embassy of Japan in Pakistan hosted a grand reception marking the 65th birthday of Emperor Naruhito in the federal capital.

Ambassador Shuichi Akamatsu welcomed guests, including Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, who attended the event as the chief guest, along with other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Akamatsu reflected on his interactions with hundreds of Pakistanis since his arrival in the country in late November 2024.

On the global front, he underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating that restoring international peace and stability was a pressing priority.

“Japan is committed to working with Pakistan to promote harmony and cooperation in today’s divided international landscape,” he remarked.

Regarding bilateral relations, the ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s longstanding support for Pakistan, rooted in over 70 years of official development assistance (ODA).

He reiterated Japan’s philosophy of sustainable aid, describing it as “not only providing fish but also teaching how to fish,” emphasising mutual respect and cooperation.

Ambassador Akamatsu also expressed a strong desire for increased human resource exchange and cultural interaction between Japan and Pakistan.

Encouraging more Pakistanis to visit Japan, particularly for the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, from April to October, he referred to the saying, “Seeing is believing.”

The reception featured a captivating cultural showcase, including performances by students of the Islamabad Japanese School, who presented traditional Japanese drumming and the folk dance ‘So-ran bushi’.

Exhibits of Ikebana and Bonsai art, organised by the Lahore Sogetsu Study Group and Lahore Bonsai Society, added a touch of Japanese heritage.

Additionally, displays by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japanese companies highlighted the breadth of collaboration between the two nations.

Ambassador Akamatsu expressed hope for deeper engagements between Japan and Pakistan, fostering a friendship that aligned with the evolving global landscape.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal said that the Emperor of Japan was a beacon of hope and progress for the entire world.

“Japan is renowned for its art, literature, technology and cuisine. Japanese are known for their resilience, hard work and respect, qualities that have allowed Japan to thrive,” the minister said.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2025