Islamabad: November 5, 2026
H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and Mrs. AKAMATSU Yumiko hosted a reception on Thursday, November 5th to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day.
Defense Attaché, Colonel TOYODA Takeshi represented the JSDF at the Embassy. The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defense, Pakistan and Special Guest on behalf of President Ashif Zardari H.E. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, member of National Assembly and former Prime Minister of Pakistan who joined Ambassador Akamatsu in cutting the commemorative cake, following the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan, and respective speeches. Furthermore, a video message from Minister of Defense of Japan, H.E.
Mr. KOIZUMI Shinjiro, was presented. The reception drew participation from military officials, government ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, diplomatic representatives, and key figures from the public and private sectors.
In the speech of Ambassador Akamatsu, he first expressed his message that the history of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is the very embodiment of Japan’s ‘Will to Seek Peace.’ JSDF continues to adhere to the principle of ‘Pacifism’ and the policy of ‘Exclusive Defense.’ The Ambassador further 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.’” Ambassador Akamatsu also expressed the message that preserving peace requires more than a display of military power, it demands the continuous building of bridges of dialogue. The Ambassador further stated, “I am convinced that Pakistan’s exceptional diplomatic skill in transforming ‘Dispute’ into ‘Dialogue’ deserves the highest recognition and praise from the international community.” Ambassador Akamatsu also recalled several instances of JSDF cooperations.
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’s participation in the multinational naval exercise AMAN 25. In conclusion, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed his wishes 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 the World WarⅡ. Japan’s security policy is grounded on this path.
