ISLAMABAD, Nov 05 (APP):The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan hosted a grand reception here on Wednesday to celebrate the 72nd Anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day. Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi and Mrs. AKAMATSU Yumiko hosted the reception. Defense Attaché, Colonel TOYODA Takeshi represented the JSDF at the Embassy. The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest, , Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Special Guest …
Japan celebrates 72nd anniversary of Self-Defense Forces Day
ISLAMABAD, Nov 05 (APP):The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan hosted a grand reception here on Wednesday to celebrate the 72nd Anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day.
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi and Mrs. AKAMATSU Yumiko hosted the reception. Defense Attaché, Colonel TOYODA Takeshi represented the JSDF at the Embassy.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest, , Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Special Guest on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Member National Assembly and former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The Chief Guests along with other dignitaries cut a cake to celebrate the 72nd Japan Self-Defense Forces Day, following the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan and respective speeches.
A video message from Minister of Defense of Japan, KOIZUMI Shinjiro, was also presented on the occasion.
The reception drew participation from military officials, government ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, diplomatic representatives, and key figures from the public and private sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Akamatsu said that the history of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is the very embodiment of Japan’s ‘Will to Seek Peace.’ He said JSDF continues to adhere to the principle of ‘Pacifism’ and the policy of ‘Exclusive Defense.’
“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 said.
Ambassador Akamatsu said preserving peace requires more than a display of military power, it demands the continuous building of bridges of dialogue.
“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 added.
The Ambassador also recalled several instances of JSDF cooperation with Pakistan. These included educational exchanges such as the acceptance of international students to Ground Self-Defense Force’s ‘Fuji School’; airlift assistance by Ground Self-Defense Forces’ helicopter unit during the 2010 flood in northwestern Pakistan; and the participation of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ escort ship, Murasame, in the multinational naval exercise AMAN-25.
In conclusion, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed the hope that the reception will serve as an opportunity to deepen the understanding of Japan Self-Defense Forces and to further strengthen the 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 JSDF on July 1, 1954. The celebration date now falls on November 1 to align with JSDF’s critical role in responding to natural disasters like typhoons.
Japan has consistently taken the path of a peace-loving nation and has been pursuing peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the international community, after World War II.
