The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan held a large reception on Wednesday to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi and Mrs. AKAMATSU Yumiko hosted the event, which was represented by Defense Attaché, Colonel TOYODA Takeshi.
Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif served as the Chief Guest, while Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Member National Assembly and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, attended as a Special Guest on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari. Following the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan and a series of speeches, the dignitaries cut a cake to celebrate the anniversary. A video message from Japan's Minister of Defense, KOIZUMI Shinjiro, was also shown.
Ambassador Akamatsu stated that the history of the JSDF embodies Japan’s ‘Will to Seek Peace.’ He noted that the JSDF maintains the principle of ‘Pacifism’ and the policy of ‘Exclusive Defense.’ The Ambassador described the peace Japan seeks as not being 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 emphasized that maintaining peace requires building bridges of dialogue rather than just showing military power. He stated he is convinced that Pakistan’s diplomatic skill in turning ‘Dispute’ into ‘Dialogue’ deserves international praise.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu highlighted past cooperation between the JSDF and Pakistan, including:
The acceptance of international students at the Ground Self-Defense Force’s ‘Fuji School’;
Airlift assistance provided by a Ground Self-Defense Forces helicopter unit during the 2010 floods in northwestern Pakistan;
The participation of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ escort ship, Murasame, in the AMAN-25 multinational naval exercise.
