Japan confers prestigious decoration on former Pakistani ambassador Farukh Amil for strengthening bilateral ties
Abdullah Jan
Islamabad: The Government of Japan this week conferred the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on former Pakistani Ambassador to Japan Farukh Akhter Amil in recognition of his contributions to strengthening Pakistan-Japan relations and promoting friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
The decoration was announced on November 3 as part of Japan’s 2026 Fall Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, recognising individuals whose contributions have helped advance Japan’s relations with other countries and foster international goodwill.
Farukh Amil served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017, a period during which he worked to expand bilateral engagement beyond traditional diplomatic channels, placing particular emphasis on cultural exchanges, educational cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
One of the notable aspects of his diplomatic tenure was his effort to bring the people of the two countries closer through cultural initiatives and direct engagement with Japanese institutions. In August 2015, he invited Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado to a calligraphy exhibition organised at the Embassy of Pakistan in Japan. The occasion symbolically strengthened cultural links between Pakistan and Japan and provided an opportunity to highlight the artistic and cultural heritage of Pakistan.
His engagement with Japan’s academic community was another significant feature of his tenure. He delivered lectures at more than 50 universities across Japan and held repeated interactions with students, researchers and academics. These engagements helped introduce younger Japanese audiences to Pakistan’s history, society and perspectives, while encouraging dialogue and greater understanding between the two countries.
Beyond formal diplomacy and cultural outreach, Amil also established a personal connection with communities affected by one of Japan’s most devastating natural disasters.
Shortly after arriving in Japan to assume his diplomatic assignment, he travelled to Fukushima, a prefecture severely affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The visit took place before he had presented his credentials, making his decision to personally visit the disaster-hit region particularly meaningful to local residents.
His presence was regarded by people in Fukushima as a gesture of solidarity and compassion at a difficult time. Local residents described the visit as “unforgettable support”, and it reportedly left a lasting impression on the community. The gesture reflected a dimension of diplomacy that extended beyond official meetings to include empathy, friendship and engagement with ordinary people.
Amil’s efforts to promote Japan-Pakistan friendship continued even after the completion of his ambassadorial assignment. In February 2025, he co-hosted a photographic exhibition, titled Beautiful Japan – Through the Eyes of an Ambassador, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan.
The exhibition featured photographs he had taken during his diplomatic tenure in Japan, offering Pakistani audiences a personal perspective on the country’s landscapes, culture and everyday life. The initiative attracted considerable media attention, with coverage in 14 major Pakistani newspapers, further extending public interest in Japan and its cultural identity.
Japan’s decision to honour Amil recognises a diplomatic contribution that combined official representation with sustained efforts to build cultural bridges, promote academic engagement and strengthen people-to-people relations.
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star is among Japan’s decorations awarded to individuals for distinguished contributions. Amil’s recognition reflects the value attached to his role in deepening understanding and friendship between Japan and Pakistan, and highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy in sustaining long-term bilateral relations.