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WNAM REPORT: Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, hosted a reception last night at the Embassy of Japan to mark the 71st anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day, where Colonel ABE Kazuo, Defense Attaché, represented the JSDF at the event.
The ceremony was graced by the chief guest Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defense, who joined Ambassador Akamatsu and other dignitaries in cutting the commemorative cake following the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan.
The reception drew participation from military officials, government ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, diplomatic representatives, and key figures from the public and private sectors.
In the speech of Ambassador Akamatsu, he first expressed his deep condolences for the loss of lives and devastation caused by the summer floods in Pakistan.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to support Pakistan’s disaster prevention and recovery efforts, highlighting Japan’s experience with frequent natural disasters.
Ambassador Akamatsu also recalled several JSDF cooperations, including airlift assistance during Pakistan’s 2010 floods and joint efforts with the Pakistan Army in aid after the Turkiye earthquake.
He noted the active defense collaborations this year, such as the Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer MURASAME’s participation in the multinational exercise AMAN25 naval exercise.
Also, in May this year, a group of officers from the National Security and War Course at Pakistan’s National Defense University visited Japan. Furthermore, Military-to-Military Consultations are scheduled to be held in December to enhance such defense cooperation and exchanges.
Since this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War, Ambassador Akamatsu emphasized the importance of promoting disarmament and non-proliferation and of consistently working towards realizing a “world without nuclear weapons” as Japan is the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in 1945.
He also expressed his wish to build momentum towards nuclear disarmament and take steps forward to realizing it.
Further, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s successful participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, particularly applauding the Pakistan pavilion’s vibrant exhibit themed, “A Universe in a Grain of Salt,” which attracted more than 1.5 million visitors.
To conclude, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed optimism that under the leadership of Japan’s newly elected first female Prime Minister, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, bonds between Japan and Pakistan will develop into even stronger ones based on mutual respect and cooperation.
JSDF Day commemorates the establishment of the Japan Defense Agency and JSDF on July 1, 1954. The celebration date now falls on November 1 to align with JSDF’s critical role in responding to natural disasters like typhoons.
