ISLAMABAD, Thursday, October 30, 2025 (WNP): The Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, hosted a reception on Thursday to commemorate the 71st anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day, underscoring Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defense, humanitarian, and disaster-relief cooperation with Pakistan.

The event, held at the Embassy of Japan, was attended by the Federal Minister for Defense, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, as the chief guest. He joined Ambassador Akamatsu and Defense Attaché Colonel Abe Kazuo in cutting the commemorative cake following the playing of the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan. The ceremony brought together military officials, parliamentarians, senior government representatives, diplomats, and business leaders.

In his address, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and devastation caused by this year’s floods in Pakistan, reiterating Japan’s solidarity and continued support for the country’s disaster-prevention and recovery efforts.

“Japan, as a nation familiar with natural calamities, stands with Pakistan in building resilience and recovery capacity,” he said.

Highlighting Japan-Pakistan defense cooperation, Ambassador Akamatsu recalled the JSDF’s humanitarian airlift assistance during Pakistan’s 2010 floods and joint relief operations with the Pakistan Army following the Türkiye earthquake. He also pointed to recent engagements, including the participation of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer MURASAME in the multinational naval exercise AMAN-25 and the visit of Pakistan’s National Defense University officers to Japan earlier this year.

He further announced that Military-to-Military Consultations between Japan and Pakistan are scheduled for December to deepen defense collaboration and strengthen professional exchanges between the armed forces of both nations.

Reflecting on global peace and security, Ambassador Akamatsu noted that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. “As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, Japan remains steadfast in its pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons,” he emphasized, expressing hope that this momentum for peace will resonate in Pakistan as well.

Ambassador Akamatsu also lauded Pakistan’s successful participation in the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, where the Pakistan Pavilion — themed “A Universe in a Grain of Salt” — has already drawn over 1.5 million visitors, symbolizing the cultural and creative bridge between the two nations.

He concluded his remarks by expressing optimism that bilateral relations would further flourish under Japan’s newly elected first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, envisioning “a partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and lasting peace.”

JSDF Day commemorates the founding of the Japan Defense Agency and the Self-Defense Forces on July 1, 1954. The observance was later moved to November 1 to highlight JSDF’s expanded role in disaster response and humanitarian relief operations.