The Japan-Pakistan Association
#202, 2-29-14, Kouenji-kita,
Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0002, Japan
Phone +81-3-5327-3588
Fax +81-3-5327-3598
View of Pakistan
Shah Faisal Mosque, Islamabad
Brief history
In August 1947, at the time of Pakistani trade mission's visit to Japan soon after its independence it was decided by Japanese business community to organize an institution in the private sector to promote the exchange between Japan and Pakistan and thus the Japan-Pakistan Economic Association was formed.
Mr. Hisato Ichimada, former president of Bank of Japan, assumed office as the 1st chairman of the Association. Mr. Kichio Futami, president of The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., assumed office as the 2nd chairman.
In 1957, when Prime Minister Kishi's visit to Pakistan was realized a cultural agreement was signed between the two countries and the name of the society was altered to present “The Japan-Pakistan Association”. Its functions were to expand into cultural exchanges besides economic ones.
In 1960, the status of the Association was altered from voluntary organization to Foundation.
The 3rd chairman Shigeo Horie, president of The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., strove to strengthen the organization and develop the business.
In 1971, Mr. Shizuma Matsuo, president of Japan Air Lines Co.,Ltd., assumed office as the 4th chairman.
In 1972, the trade between the two countries expanded and the economic exchanges were promoted.
In 1975, Mr. Hiroki Imazato, president of NSK Ltd., assumed office as the 5th chairman.
The Association expanded the bottom of the organization by creating individual membership in addition to corporate membership and expanded its activity.
In April 1981, Mr. Shunji Ueda, president of Nichimen Co., Ltd., assumed office as the 6th chairman.
In addition to promotion of closer economic relations, emphasis was also given to cultural exchange.
In 1983, President Zia-ul-Haq made a state visit to Japan.
In 1987, Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo made an official visit to Japan.
In 1992, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif made an official visit to Japan.
In 1996, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto made an official visit to Japan.
Each time welcome parties were held in honor of those guests.
(In November 1984, Japan-Pakistan Economic Committee was established within the organization of The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.)
In November 1998, Mr. Akira Watari, president of Nichimen Co.,Ltd., assumed office as the 7th chairman.
In November 2001, Minister of Finance Shaukat Aziz made a visit to Japan as an ambassador-at-large of the President.
In March 2002, President Pervez Musharraf made an official working visit to Japan.
The Association held or supported to hold welcome lunch meetings respectively for those guests.
In October 2002, the Association co-held special symposium/Pakistan festival with the Pakistan embassy to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between Japan and Pakistan.
In April 2003, Mr. Shun Imaizumi, president of K.I.J. ACCESS and former Komatsu officer, assumed office as the 8th chairman.
Chairman Imaizumi has been contributing to boost cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries in close cooperation with the Pakistan government and the Pakistan embassy in Japan.
The chairman has also been strengthening various functions of the Association that are useful to the corporate members and achieved the increase of the corporate members.
In February 2005, the Association sent a mission (Chairman Imaizumi was a leader) to take a tour of the Karachi Expo on the invitation of Pakistan government.
The party had a meeting with President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.
In August 2005, Prime Minister Aziz visited Japan as an exhibition guest of the Aichi Expo and he cut the ribbon on the Pakistan Day mainly to introduce and celebrate a statue of a fasting Buddha (a replica) that was manufactured for the Expo.
Chairman Imaizumi was invited as a representative of the civilians to the dinner party hosted by Prime Minister Koizumi and he made an important role to promote the exchanges between Japan and Pakistan.
In October 2005, when Kashmir earthquake occurred in the northern part of Pakistan the Association contributed 4.7 million yen to Pakistan by asking for donations from the corporate and the individual members.
In 2009 and 2011, President Zardari made an official working visit to Japan. The Association cooperated to hold a welcome lunch meeting sponsored by Japan-Pakistan Economic Committee.
In 2010, the Association donated 1.62 million yen to Pakistan by promptly collecting relief fund from the corporate and the individual members on the occasion of the large-scale flood damage occurred in Pakistan throughout its history.
On April 1, 2013, the Association shifted to the Public Interest Foundation that seeks higher public interest in accordance with the new Public Interest Corporate Law.
In 2015, Minister of Finance Dar made a visit to Japan and the welcome party was held.
In 2017, Chairman Imaizumi received an award from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan in recognition of the remarkable promotion work of the friendship between Japan and Pakistan.
In 2018, Mr. Dawood, Advisor to the Prime Minister, made a visit to Japan and promoted exchanges.
In 2019, Mr. Seishiro Eto, president of Japan-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship League and a member of the House of Representative, was awarded by the Pakistan government. The friendship between Japan and Pakistan was also promoted when Minister of Foreign Affairs Qureshi made a visit to Japan.
In Autumn of 2021, The President Imaizumi was received The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. This is the first time of The Association's history for 75 years.
In June 2023, Deputy Foreign Minister Asad Majeed Khan visited Japan, and we were able to have a personal interview with him since he was Pakistan's ambassador to Japan.
In July 2023, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited Japan and delivered a welcome speech on behalf of Japan at a welcome dinner.
