His Majesty Japan’s Emperor Naruhito’s 66th Birthday & National Day of Japan: Message from Hattori Masaru, Consul General of Japan in Karachi

On the auspicious occasion of the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, as the Consul General of Japan in Karachi, I am pleased to extend my warm greetings to the people of Pakistan. This celebration provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the enduring friendship and cooperation between Japan and Pakistan.

Japan and Pakistan share a friendship built over more than seven decades, strengthened by sustained exchanges between the governments and people of the two nations. Building on this foundation, this enduring relationship continues to grow, supported by Pakistan’s dynamic youth and its strong potential to further expand bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The city of Karachi and its surrounding regions are of remarkable dynamism and resilience. Serving as the economic heartbeat of Pakistan, Karachi is a hub where numerous Japanese companies work hand-in-hand with their Pakistani counterparts. These enterprises play a vital role in enhancing bilateral trade and investment, alongside their significant contributions to the local economy through job creation and local content development. Their tireless efforts represent a vital pillar of the enduring partnership between our two nations.

While our nations collaborate at the highest levels, the true strength of our friendship also lies in the hearts of the local communities. Whether it is a clean water project in a remote village, an initiative to support schools and education in underserved areas, or a healthcare initiative in an urban center, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) continues to touch lives directly, ensuring that the fruits of our cooperation reach those who need them most.

Along with these efforts, the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi is dedicated to furthering cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges. Academic opportunities under the MEXT Scholarship Programs continue to empower young Pakistanis to pursue higher education in Japan. These alumni, together with Japanese language learners, play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and serve as bridges of friendship, knowledge, and innovation between our two nations. Meanwhile, the cultural initiatives such as the Japanese Film Festival and Japan Fest have provided opportunities to experience the harmony of Japanese traditions.

As we celebrate His Majesty’s birthday, I reaffirm Japan’s commitment to further strengthening Japan-Pakistan relations and sincerely hope that our two nations will continue to work together for growth, prosperity, and a better future for upcoming generations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026