ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA), on Wednesday inaugurated an art exhibition titled “Japan in Art” at the National Art Gallery.
The exhibition was opened by Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, alongside PNCA Director General Ayoub Jamali and PJCA Islamabad President Jamal Shah. The event attracted a large number of young artists, art enthusiasts and members of the diplomatic community.
Featuring around 40 artworks by emerging Pakistani artists, the exhibition offers creative interpretations of Japanese socio-cultural life. The displayed works employ a variety of techniques, including painting, coloured pencils and traditional woodblock-inspired styles, reflecting a blend of artistic innovation and cultural appreciation.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu praised the participating artists for their creativity and skill in portraying Japanese culture. He said the exhibition symbolised the enduring friendship between Japan and Pakistan, rooted in cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.
On the occasion, the ambassador also conferred the Ambassador’s Commendation for 2026 upon Jamal Shah in recognition of his contributions to strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
Highlighting Mr Shah’s role as a promoter of the arts, the ambassador noted his contributions, including his involvement in Expo 2005 Aichi as director of the Pakistan Pavilion, his support for cultural initiatives during his tenure as minister for culture, and his recent exhibition addressing the impact of nuclear devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Ambassador Akamatsu expressed hope that Mr Shah would continue to play an active role in promoting bilateral cultural relations and fostering greater understanding between the people of Japan and Pakistan.
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