Karachi, The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Japanese Consulate, successfully organized Japan Fest 2023. The festival, attended by Consul General of Japan Odagiri Toshio, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, President of Arts Council Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmad Shah, and other dignitaries, was a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and its strong cultural ties with Pakistan.

According to the Arts Council of Pakistan, Consul General Odagiri Toshio welcomed attendees to the festival, which symbolizes the annual cultural exchange between Japan and Pakistan. Toshio noted that the event, previously postponed due to COVID-19, reflects both modern and traditional aspects of Japanese culture and plays a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations. He also emphasized Karachi’s importance to Japan and the festival’s contribution to portraying a positive image of Pakistan globally.

Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab shared his views on the deep-rooted cultural and commercial ties between Pakistan and Japan. He suggested similar cultural programs should be organized in Japan to showcase Pakistani culture. Wahab also mentioned collaborative efforts with the Arts Council to facilitate public participation and highlight Karachi’s positive activities.

President of the Arts Council, Mohammad Ahmad Shah, spoke about the strength of Pakistan-Japan friendship. The festival featured various stalls that captivated the audience, including demonstrations of the Japanese martial art “Kendo,” showcasing attack and defense techniques. Artists dressed as comic characters added to the festive atmosphere. The event concluded with a Pak-Japan fusion musical concert, where Ustad Nafees Ahmed and Nakagawa Yasushi delivered exceptional performances, receiving great appreciation from the audience.

Japan Fest 2023 in Karachi not only celebrated the rich culture of Japan but also reinforced the strong cultural bond shared between Pakistan and Japan.