Relations with Japan
from cordial to
excellent, says Asif
In his address, Ambassador Akamatsu highlighted that the history of the Japan Self-Defense Forces embodies Japan’s enduring “Will to Seek Peace.” He noted that the JSDF continues to uphold the principles of Pacifism and Exclusive Defense, which remain central to Japan’s security policy
DNA
Islamabad, November 5, 2026 – The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan hosted a reception on Thursday to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day. The event was hosted by Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, and Mrs. AKAMATSU Yumiko, while Defense Attaché Colonel TOYODA Takeshi represented the JSDF.
The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Defence H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif as the Chief Guest and H.E. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Member of the National Assembly and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, as Special Guest representing President Asif Ali Zardari. The dignitaries joined Ambassador Akamatsu in cutting the commemorative cake following the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan and the delivery of official speeches.
A video message from Japan’s Minister of Defense, H.E. Mr. KOIZUMI Shinjiro, was also presented during the reception. The event drew a distinguished gathering of military officials, government ministers, parliamentarians, senior civil servants, diplomats, and representatives from the public and private sectors.
In his address, Ambassador Akamatsu highlighted that the history of the Japan Self-Defense Forces embodies Japan’s enduring “Will to Seek Peace.” He noted that the JSDF continues to uphold the principles of Pacifism and Exclusive Defense, which remain central to Japan’s security policy.
“The peace we seek is not of silence but of dialogue, not division but of cooperation, and not one governed by force but one underpinned by the rule of law,” Ambassador Akamatsu stated.
Emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, the Ambassador stressed that preserving peace requires more than military capability and calls for continuous efforts to build bridges of dialogue and mutual understanding among nations.
Praising Pakistan’s role on the international stage, Ambassador Akamatsu remarked that the country’s diplomatic ability to transform disputes into dialogue deserves the highest recognition and appreciation from the global community.
The Ambassador also recalled several notable examples of cooperation between Japan and Pakistan involving the JSDF. These included educational exchanges through the acceptance of international students at the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Fuji School, humanitarian airlift assistance during the devastating 2010 floods in northwestern Pakistan, and the participation of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Murasame in the multinational naval exercise AMAN-25.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed his hope that the reception would deepen public understanding of the JSDF and further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Japan and Pakistan.
This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, founded on July 1, 1954, alongside the Japan Defense Agency. JSDF Day is observed annually to commemorate this milestone and recognizes the organization’s contribution to national security, disaster response, and international cooperation.
Japan has consistently pursued the path of a peace-loving nation since the end of the Second World War and remains committed to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region and the wider international community. Its security policy continues to be guided by these principles.
