Consul-General of Japan in Karachi hosted 60th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor NARUHITO of Japan.

To celebrate the 60^th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor NARUHITO of Japan, the Consul-General of Japan in Karachi, Mr. ISOMURA Toshikazu hosted a grand reception at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi on 25^th February 2020.

The event was attended by large number of guests ranging from government officials, politicians, diplomats, businessmen, selected members of press and dignitaries from different walks of life.

Proceedings of the event began with a heart-felt rendition of national anthems of Japan and Pakistan by Deputy Consul-General of Japan in Karachi, Mr. ASHIDA Katsunori.

The reign of His Majesty the Emperor NARUHITO officially began last year, when he succeeded his father Emperor Akihito, marking an end to three-decade long ‘Heisei‘ era. Hence, it was the first National Day reception under the era ‘Reiwa‘ era.

Reiwa, means “beautiful harmony” and this name was taken from the oldest existing poetry anthology “Manyoshu”, and it’s represents a culture being born and nurtured by people’s heart brought together in a beautiful manner. This year’s reception also signifies the leading-up to Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. The mascot of Olympics and Paralympics caught the attention of everyone and brought an air of games excitement to the audience.

Speaking at the occasion, the Consul-General of Japan in Karachi, Mr. ISOMURA Toshikazu expressed his delight in hosting the first reception of ‘Reiwa’ era. He also remarked about the improved security situation in Pakistan and of generating investment opportunities for Japanese in Pakistan. Mr. ISOMURA said that; “I am surprised to know that there were around 23 different cultural organizations in Karachi, including pop-culture groups striving hard to promote Japanese culture in Pakistan”.

The Consul-General ended his speech by inviting Pakistanis to visit Japan for Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games happening in July 2020. His speech was followed by remarks by Mrs. Sadia Rashid President of Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) and Mr. Kaleem Farooqui Vice Chairman Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF), who felicitated Japanese people on the Emperor’s Birthday and vowed to continue their efforts for better economic and culture ties between the two countries.

The reception was concluded with ceremonial cake cutting and serving of sumptuous Japanese Food and Japanese Drinks.

Japan includes Pakistan in top 10 countries to acquire skilled human resource; Ambassador Mr. Kuninori Matsuda tell Pakistan Japan Business Forum in Karachi.

Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mr. Kuninori (Matz) Matsuda has said that; “Japan and Pakistan are enjoying a strong brotherly and business relations owing to which Japan has included Pakistan among top 10 most favorite countries to acquire skilled work force from. Other countries in this list include Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri-lanka also. Japan is trying to make its contribution for the prosperity of Pakistan”.

Mr. Kuninori Matsuda was addressing to members of the Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF) at it’s annual general meeting and dinner ceremony held here at a local hotel on Tuesday night. Consul General of Japan in Karachi Mr. Toshikazu Isomura, Chairman PJBF Sohail P. Ahmed, Vice Chairman Kalim Farooqui, businessmen, businesswomen, officials of Japanese consulate, government dignitaries and selected members of press were also present.

Japanese ambassador informed; “whenever i visit Karachi, i see a lot of business opportunities which needs to be tapped. Karachi is a very crucial economic and trade hub. Along-with automobile, we can trade with Pakistan in food, hospitality, fishing, logistics & transport, agriculture, education, energy, pharmaceuticals and human resource sectors. Tourism is also a good idea”.

Earlier, in his address President PJBF Sohail P. Ahmed lamented that; “we have lot of opportunities with Japan but it’s sad to mention that we have not utilized it. This forum leads a 18-20 members delegation from business community to Japan to provide them business opportunities. These efforts are yielding results and now number of Japanese companies working with Pakistani business community has risen to 68”.

“But all this growth is dependent on constant improvement in law and order situation and stability in the country. Japanese decision to acquire skilled human resource from Pakistan is appreciable. Japan is also willing to transfer technology to us along-with many other offers. There can be a tremendous trade in fisheries sector which is still untapped but for it, we will have to improve our fish harbor. We can sell them minerals, agriculture, fruits etc,” Sohail P. Ahmed added.

This ceremony was followed by a music session, in which Deputy Consulate General of Japan in Karachi Mr. Katsunori Ashida accompanied by three other colleagues sang Pakistani songs beautifully. He also sang famous song of singer Sajjad Ali in his beautiful Urdu accent which earned a standing ovation by the participants.