Islamabad, February 10, 2026: To mark the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi hosted a reception at Serena Hotel in Islamabad, attended by President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and other dignitaries.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador AKAMATSU expressed his appreciation for celebrating the occasion in Islamabad and highlighted recent developments in Japan, including the successful general election for the House of Representatives and the strong mandate received by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female Prime Minister. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law, multilateralism, and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), while noting Pakistan’s important role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
On bilateral ties, the ambassador highlighted the success of Pakistan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, which won the Bronze Prize in the Exhibition category and the Editors’ Choice Award. He also noted high-level exchanges between the two countries, including visits to Japan by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Prime Minister’s Special Advisor on Industry and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan.
Looking ahead, Ambassador AKAMATSU outlined three key areas to strengthen Pakistan-Japan relations in the coming year:
- People-to-People Exchange: Expanding mutual understanding through cultural and sporting events, including the Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.
- Economic Cooperation: Resuming yen loan projects under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and expanding technical and talent collaboration, particularly in Pakistan’s growing IT sector.
- Promotion of Japanese Culture: Highlighting Japanese cuisine, including sushi, tempura, and wagyu beef, and its contribution to health and longevity.
The ambassador also expressed condolences over the recent mosque attack in Islamabad, praying for the recovery of the injured, and reaffirmed Japan’s solidarity with Pakistan in condemning terrorism.
The reception featured Japanese wagyu beef and exhibitions of traditional arts, including Ikebana and Bonsai, presented by Lahore Sogetsu Study Group and Lahore Bonsai Society. Japanese companies and organizations, including Toyota Indus Motors, Suzuki, Honda, Hino, Idemitsu, Sojitz, Kumon, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), also showcased displays highlighting Japan’s technological and cultural contributions.
