Relationship between Japan and Pakistan can be traced back to 538 A.D when today's Pakistan, then a cradle to Gandhara civilisation served as a source for promotion of Buddhism to Japan. Gandhara flourished in this region from 500 BC to 10 A.D and Buddhism reached Japan during the mid-sixth century.
Then both regions went through several highs and lows. During this period as well, mutual co-operation and exchange of culture continued such as establishment of a chair for Urdu language during 1930 in Tokyo University and Takushoku University.
Pakistan had gained independence in 1947 and while Japan was emerging from a difficult period after World War II when both countries started their relationship as free nations. Pakistan was the only major country from South Asia which attended the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951. Speaking courageously at the conference, Pakistani leaders talked about peace, justice and reconciliation. Such gestures led these countries to establish their diplomatic ties on April 28, 1952. Since then Pakistan-Japan relationship have made a steady progress and have kept growing to the mutual benefit of both countries.
During the 1950s Pakistan was one of the main trading partners of Japan by being the main source of raw cotton for Japan's textile industry. Jute was also exported to Japan from East Pakistan. Japanese people on the other hand reciprocated by bringing technological advances to Pakistan. Spindles manufactured in Japan contributed a great deal to the progress of textile sector in Pakistan.
Inspired by a common desire to promote and develop cultural relations between the two countries, and to promote and deepen the relations and understanding between these countries, the Government of Japan and the Government of Pakistan signed a Cultural Agreement in 1957. Nobusuke Kishi, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Prime Minister of Pakistan represented their respective countries at the signing ceremony.
According to the agreement it was decided that both countries will provide each other every possible facility to assure better understanding of the culture of their respective countries, especially by means of books, periodicals, and other publications; lectures, concerts, and theatrical performances; art exhibitions and other culture films. Under this agreement, both countries have initiated several projects and have conducted various activities for strengthening the cultural ties between them.
On the diplomatic front, Pakistan and Japan found themselves on the same side of the divide during the Korean War and the Cold War. Then Japan, through determination and hard work of its citizens became a modern industrialised nation and started extending Yen Credits assistance to Pakistan. Yen credits are extended to developing countries for public sector development on soft terms, characterised by a low interest rate and long maturity. These loans thus support poverty reduction through economic growth and capacity and institution building. The first yen loan was provided to Pakistan in 1961. Since then Japan has supported the development of infrastructure in Pakistan mainly in areas such as transportation and energy. The basic understanding of Yen Credits was that Pakistan only bought Japanese products in the initial period. Therefore, through this measure Japanese products were introduced in Pakistani and other Muslim markets.
Diplomatic relations continued to grow between Pakistan and Japan, and several agreements were inked such as International Postal Money order Exchange Agreement, Pakistan-Japan Agreement regarding Establishment of a Telecommunication Research Centre, Pakistan-Japan Plan of operation for Engineering and Economic Survey for the Development of a New Ocean Port at Pitti Creek in West Pakistan etc. Then the Soviet War stared in 1980 and Pakistan's role in securing the withdrawal of the soviet forces from Afghanistan contributed towards further fortifying Pakistan-Japan ties.
In response to the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan in May 1998, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan announced to freeze grant aid for new projects and Yen loan to both countries. However, after President Pervez Musharraf's visit to Japan and Pakistan's important contribution to the global fight against terrorism in the aftermath of the September 11, relations between the two countries entered a new era. Japan supported Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts by providing fresh water and fuel to Pakistan vessels participating in operation Enduing Freedom-Maritime Interdiction Operation.
Pakistan sincerely appreciating Japan's generous technical and financial assistance since 1954 issued special postage stamp in 2004. Japan recognising the geopolitical importance of Pakistan and appreciating Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism announced to further expand strong collaboration at all levels.
Both countries affirmed to work towards a renewed, enhanced and robust relationship and signed a declaration on April 30, 2005. Both sides appreciated the role of leadership exchanges in enhancing bilateral relations in different areas. Both sides agreed to continue to hold dialogues for politics, security, economy and joint business.
To extend support for the democratic Government of Pakistan in its efforts to consolidate democracy in Pakistan and to facilitate social and economic development in the country, Japan hosted the Friends of Democratic Pakistan and Donors' Conference in Tokyo in April 209. President Asif Ali Zardari twice visited Japan in 2009 and then in 2011. Both the visits have provided impetus to the strong bilateral ties. Japan has tirelessly supported Pakistan on various fronts. Japan like a sincere friend, came forward to help Pakistan after 2010's floods. It announced contributions for flood relief and rehabilitation efforts at the Pakistan Development Forum held on November 14 and 15, 2010. During 2010's floods Japan send SDF helicopters and medical teams for relief and rehabilitation of flood affectees.
Pakistan also expressed its solidarity and support to the government and people of Japan in the aftermath of devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011. President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Japanese Embassy to convey sympathies and express solidarity with people of Japan. Two C-130 loads of relief goods were provided. Representing the sentiments of whole Pakistani nation, members of different local outfit of Pakistanis helped the victims by providing them food, disposable water bottles and other relief goods and voluntarily worked in the shelters.
Both nations have been sharing cordial relations for over half a century now. This year marks the 60th Anniversary of establishment of their relations. To mark this historic event, different events have been planned, both in Japan and Pakistan.
(The author is a founding member of the Pakistan-Japan Business Forum and currently on its board holding the position of Secretary General)