Japan Embassy Hosts Emperor Naruhito’s 66th Birthday, President Zardari Highlights Bilateral Friendship
President Zardari Extends Warm Wishes to Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Takaichi
Pakistan Appreciates Japan’s Support in Development, Disaster Management, and People-to-People Cooperation
Islamabad – 11 February 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed his warm felicitations to the Government and people of Japan, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship. The President attended a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi, at a local hotel in Islamabad to mark the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, President Zardari highlighted the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Japan. He expressed hope that these ties would continue to grow under the leadership of Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female premier. “Pakistan values its relations with Japan and looks forward to expanding cooperation in diverse fields,” the President remarked, assuring that Pakistan remains committed to fostering stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges.
President said Japan’s continued engagement in development cooperation and disaster-risk preparedness had been deeply valued and widely felt. “For this, we are sincerely grateful”. He also appreciated Japan’s longstanding contribution to Pakistan’s development, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which he described as a respected symbol of sustainable and people-centred progress.
“Pakistan and Japan share a belief in strong families, social harmony, and respect for human dignity. These shared principles give our partnership depth and resilience,” the president said, adding that he was confident bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger with purpose, clarity, and shared ambition.
Extending warm greetings, he conveyed his best wishes to His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress, and wished the people of Japan peace, progress, and continued prosperity.
The president also congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her landslide victory in elections and recalled Pakistan’s pride in his late wife, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, for being the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim World.
A commemorative cake was cut by President Asif Ali Zardari alongwith Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi with others reflecting the strong and friendly relations between Pakistan and Japan.
Ambassador AKAMATSU, in his address, welcomed the guests and expressed appreciation for celebrating the Emperor’s birthday in Islamabad alongside President Zardari. He highlighted Japan’s recent political developments, including the successful general election and the strong mandate received by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party under Prime Minister Takaichi. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law, multilateralism, and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), while acknowledging Pakistan’s important role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The Ambassador praised Pakistan’s participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, where the Pakistan Pavilion won two awards, the Bronze Prize in the Exhibition category and the Editors’ Choice Award. He noted that the Expo sparked renewed interest in Pakistan among Japanese people and marked the revival of high-level exchanges, including visits by Pakistani ministers and officials.
Looking ahead, Ambassador AKAMATSU outlined three key areas for strengthening cooperation; People-to-people exchanges, including participation in the upcoming Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Nagoya. Economic collaboration, with plans to resume yen loan projects under Official Development Assistance (ODA) and expand cooperation in Pakistan’s IT industry. Cultural promotion, particularly Japanese cuisine, highlighting its contribution to longevity and introducing dishes such as sushi, tempura, and wagyu beef.
The Ambassador also expressed condolences for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, reaffirming Japan’s solidarity with Pakistan against terrorism.
Guests enjoyed a variety of Japanese culinary delights, highlighted by Wagyu beef, and explored cultural exhibits featuring the art of Ikebana and Bonsai. The venue further included corporate displays from prominent Japanese firms such as Toyota Indus Motors, Suzuki, Honda, Hino, Idemitsu, Sojitz, and Kumon, reflecting Japan’s strong business presence in Pakistan.
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