By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Muhammad Azmat Shigeyuki Ataka, first vice-president of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Sindh, has received the Japanese foreign minister’s commendation for his outstanding contribution to promoting Japan–Pakistan relations.
The award was presented on Tuesday at the official residence of the consul general of Japan in Karachi. Congratulating Ataka, Consul General Hattori Masaru praised his decades-long dedication to cultural exchange and his role in deepening mutual understanding between the two countries.
Ataka was recognised for his pioneering efforts to introduce and popularise Japanese poetic forms such as haiku and waka in Pakistan. By creatively blending these traditions with local literary practices, including mushaira and raag, he helped establish haiku and waka as recognised literary genres in Pakistan, enriching cultural dialogue and strengthening people-to-people links between Japan and Pakistan.
The foreign minister’s commendation is awarded annually to individuals who make significant contributions to advancing Japan’s international relations. This year’s honour places Ataka among a distinguished group whose work continues to shape closer cooperation and friendship between Japan and Pakistan.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi said it remains committed to further strengthening diplomatic, cultural and economic ties between the two countries through initiatives spanning education, business and cultural exchange.
