PJCA First Vice President Receives Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY2025

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi announced that Mr. Muhammad Azmat Shigeyuki Ataka, First Vice President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Sindh, has been awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY2025 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the promotion of Japan–Pakistan relations.

The award was conferred during a formal ceremony held at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan. Consul General HATTORI Masaru congratulated Mr. Ataka on the prestigious honor, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to fostering cultural understanding between the two nations.

Mr. Ataka was recognized for his pioneering efforts in promoting Japanese culture in Pakistan, particularly through the popularization of Japanese Haiku and Waka poetry. By creatively integrating these classical Japanese poetic forms with local literary traditions such as Mushaira and Raag, he has helped establish Haiku and Waka as distinct and respected literary genres in Pakistan. His work has played a significant role in deepening cultural exchange and strengthening people-to-people ties between Japan and Pakistan.

The Foreign Minister’s Commendation is awarded annually to individuals who have made notable contributions to enhancing Japan’s international relations. This year’s recognition places Mr. Ataka among a distinguished group of honorees whose efforts continue to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between Japan and its global partners.

The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations between Japan and Pakistan through ongoing initiatives in education, business, and cultural exchange.