Islamabad, November 5,2026: The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan hosted a grand reception in Islamabad on Thursday to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day, highlighting Japan’s commitment to peace, regional stability and strengthened defence cooperation with Pakistan.
Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi and his wife, Mrs. Akamatsu Yumiko, hosted the reception on Thursday. Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, while former Prime Minister and Member of the National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf participated as the Special Guest, representing President Asif Ali Zardari.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan, followed by speeches and the cutting of a commemorative cake by Ambassador Akamatsu and the distinguished guests. A video message from Japan’s Minister of Defence, Koizumi Shinjiro, was also screened. Colonel Toyoda Takeshi, Defence Attaché at the Japanese Embassy, represented the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
The reception was attended by senior military officials, federal ministers, parliamentarians, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and prominent representatives of the public and private sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Akamatsu said the history of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces embodied the country’s enduring commitment to peace. He reaffirmed that the JSDF continued to uphold the principles of pacifism and the policy of exclusive defence.
“The peace we seek is not of silence but of dialogue, not division but cooperation, and not one governed by force but one underpinned by the rule of law,” the Ambassador said.
He emphasized that preserving peace required more than demonstrating military strength, stressing the importance of continuously building bridges through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic role, Ambassador Akamatsu said Pakistan’s exceptional diplomatic skills in transforming disputes into dialogue deserved the highest recognition and praise from the international community.
The Japanese Ambassador also highlighted several examples of defence cooperation between Japan and Pakistan. These included educational exchanges through the acceptance of international students at the Ground Self-Defense Forces’ Fuji School, humanitarian airlift assistance by a Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces helicopter unit during the devastating floods in northwestern Pakistan in 2010, and the participation of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ escort ship Murasame in the multinational naval exercise AMAN-25.
Ambassador Akamatsu expressed hope that the reception would provide an opportunity to enhance understanding of the role and contributions of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces while further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan.
This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. JSDF Day commemorates the establishment of the Japan Defense Agency and the Self-Defense Forces on July 1, 1954. The commemorative celebrations are now held around November 1, reflecting the JSDF’s important role in responding to natural disasters, including typhoons and other emergencies.
Japan has consistently pursued the path of a peace-loving nation since the end of World War II, promoting peace, stability and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region and the wider international community. This commitment remains a fundamental pillar of Japan’s national security policy.
