- Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif attends reception hosted by Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi; Ambassador highlights Japan’s commitment to pacifism, dialogue and international cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, and Mrs. AKAMATSU Yumiko hosted a prestigious reception on Thursday, November 5, 2026, to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). The event brought together senior Pakistani government officials, military leadership, parliamentarians, diplomats and distinguished representatives of the public and private sectors.
Japan’s Defence Attaché, Colonel TOYODA Takeshi, represented the Japan Self-Defense Forces at the reception.
Federal Minister for Defence of Pakistan, H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, while former Prime Minister and Member of the National Assembly, H.E. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, participated as the Special Guest on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari.
Following the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan, the distinguished guests delivered their respective remarks. Ambassador AKAMATSU and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also jointly cut a commemorative cake to mark the occasion. A special video message from Japan’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Mr. KOIZUMI Shinjiro, was also presented.
Japan’s Commitment to Peace, Pacifism and International Cooperation
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi underscored that the history of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces represents the very embodiment of Japan’s determination to pursue peace.
He reaffirmed that the JSDF continues to uphold the principles of pacifism and Japan’s policy of exclusive defence, reflecting the country’s longstanding commitment to peace, stability and international cooperation.
Emphasising the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in maintaining global peace, Ambassador AKAMATSU stated:
“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.’”
He observed that preserving peace requires more than demonstrating military strength; it demands sustained diplomatic engagement, mutual trust and the continuous construction of bridges of dialogue among nations.
Ambassador Praises Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role
Highlighting Pakistan’s contribution to regional and international diplomacy, Ambassador AKAMATSU expressed his appreciation for the country’s diplomatic capabilities and its efforts to promote dialogue in addressing international disputes.
“I am convinced that Pakistan’s exceptional diplomatic skill in transforming ‘Dispute’ into ‘Dialogue’ deserves the highest recognition and praise from the international community,” he remarked.
His remarks reflected Japan’s appreciation of Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic engagement and its potential role in promoting regional peace, stability and international understanding.
Japan-Pakistan Defence Cooperation and Humanitarian Partnership
The Japanese Ambassador also recalled several important examples of cooperation between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and Pakistan, highlighting the practical dimensions of bilateral relations.
These included educational exchanges through the acceptance of international students at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Fuji School; humanitarian assistance provided by a Ground Self-Defense Forces helicopter unit during the devastating floods in northwestern Pakistan in 2010; and the participation of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s escort ship Murasame in the multinational naval exercise AMAN 2025 hosted by Pakistan.
Ashraf, Former PM of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to
Pakistan, Mrs. AKAMATSU Yumiko, Col. Toyoda Takeshi, Defense Attache at the Embassy of
Japan, cut a cake to celebrate the 72nd Japan Self-Defense
Forces Day held in serena hotel.
These examples demonstrate the diverse nature of Japan-Pakistan cooperation, extending beyond defence engagement to encompass education, humanitarian assistance, maritime security and regional stability.
Ambassador AKAMATSU expressed the hope that the commemorative reception would provide an opportunity to deepen understanding of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Japan and Pakistan.
72 Years of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces: A Legacy of Peace and Security
The year 2026 marks the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the former Japan Defense Agency on July 1, 1954.
JSDF Day is observed on November 1, following a change in the commemorative date to reflect the importance of the Self-Defense Forces’ responsibilities, particularly their critical role in responding to natural disasters, including typhoons and other emergencies.
BY: The Times Union
