ISLAMABAD: Bridging cultures through creativity, the Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, on Wednesday unveiled the painting exhibition titled “Japan in Art” at the National Art Gallery, PNCA.

Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan, along with Ayoub Jamali, Director General PNCA and acclaimed artist Jamal Shah, President of PJCA Islamabad, inaugurated the exhibition. The event drew young artists, art enthusiasts and dignitaries from all walks of life.

“Japan in Art” displays around 40 works by emerging Pakistani artists, reimagining Japanese socio-cultural life through innovative lenses.

From delicate brushstrokes and coloured pencils to the timeless artistry of woodblock printing, the pieces fuse imagination with cultural insight. Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony, appreciated what he described as the remarkable skill and imagination of young Pakistani artists in portraying Japanese culture through their paintings.

“This event is a beautiful testament to the enduring friendship between Japan and Pakistan, a friendship rooted not only in diplomacy but also in culture and people-to-people exchange,” said the ambassador.

At the inaugural ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi presented the Ambassador’s Commendation for 2026 to Jamal Shah, President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Islamabad, recognising his pivotal role in advancing Japan-Pakistan cultural ties.

Paying tribute to Mr Shah’s leadership as President PJCA Islamabad and as a champion of the arts, Ambassador Akamatsu said the conferment of the commendation was a recognition of his sustained dedication to strengthening cultural ties.

The ambassador also highlighted Mr Shah’s role at Expo 2005 Aichi, Japan, as Director of the Pakistan Pavilion, and his support during his tenure as Minister for Culture for events hosted by the embassy, such as the Emperor’s Birthday Reception and the Japan Foundation’s travelling exhibition “Yakishime”.

Most recently, Jamal Shah held the “Remains of Ruins” exhibition, which highlighted the tragedy of nuclear devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the ambassador said.

Ambassador Akamatsu expressed hope that Jamal Shah would continue to contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting Japanese culture.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2026