ISLAMABAD: Japan and Pakistan on Friday marked 74 years of diplomatic relations, with Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi outlining a forward-looking vision focused on people-to-people exchanges, economic cooperation and cultural connectivity.

The ambassador was speaking at a media networking reception hosted at his residence, where he reflected on his experiences since assuming office in November 2024 and shared priorities for bilateral engagement in 2026 and beyond.

Recounting visits across Punjab and Sindh’s industrial centres, as well as heritage sites such as Mohenjo-daro, Taxila and Pakistan’s northern areas, Ambassador Akamatsu praised the country’s cultural diversity and hospitality. He said each visit had deepened his appreciation for Pakistan’s history and people.

He noted that the strong goodwill Pakistanis held for Japan stemmed from decades of diplomatic relations, Japan’s development cooperation through Official Development Assistance, the presence of Japanese companies and public trust in Japanese products.

Outlining three pillars guiding future relations, the ambassador emphasised expanding human-to-human interaction, strengthening economic ties and promoting Japanese cuisine as a bridge between societies.

Highlighting growing youth interest, he said the number of Pakistanis studying the Japanese language had increased sharply, with more than 1,000 candidates recently appearing in each Japanese Language Proficiency Test session. He described this trend as a positive signal for deeper cultural understanding.

On the economic front, Ambassador Akamatsu pointed to emerging collaboration in information technology and artificial intelligence, noting Pakistan’s expanding IT sector and Japanese firms’ interest in engaging skilled professionals. Nearly 80 Japanese companies currently operate in Pakistan, collectively employing over 100,000 people.

Referring to recent engagements, he cited an AI seminar organised with NUST in Islamabad and the 8th Japan-Pakistan Government-Business Joint Dialogue held in Tokyo. He also announced a Japan-Pakistan Business Seminar scheduled for February 10 to address concerns raised by Pakistani entrepreneurs.

The ambassador lauded the Pakistan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, which won a Bronze Award for Exhibition Design and attracted around 1.8 million visitors. He said the pavilion helped foster greater familiarity with Pakistan among the Japanese public. He also invited Pakistanis to engage with the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games to be held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, in September-October 2026.

Touching on culinary diplomacy, Ambassador Akamatsu said Japanese cuisine was gaining popularity in Pakistan, describing food as a powerful tool for building friendship and mutual understanding.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Yasar Ayaz, Chairman of the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Head of NUST’s Robotics Department, highlighted Japan’s reputation for quality, trust and discipline.

A former MEXT scholar, he credited Japanese academic values for shaping his work in Pakistan and underscored ongoing collaboration with Japanese universities and companies in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2026