Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Self-Defense Forces held their largest ever musical event on Friday to celebrate ties of international cooperation and development.

The concert at the famed Budokan martial arts hall resumed this year after being suspended for two years due to COVID.

The choreographed musicians were drawn from various branches of Japan’s land, sea and air forces.

Other countries were invited to participate in this military band event, including Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Japanese-American band from Camp Zama and another from the Marine Corps on Okinawa.

The Pakistani military band was founded in 1993 and directed by Major Abul Wahad Khan and included “We Are One Under This Flag” and “Long Live Pakistan.” The musicians carried Pakistani and Japanese flags, symbolizing cooperation between the two countries.

The joining of Japanese military bands with those from other countries is seen as a means of strengthening strategic and diplomatic ties. The joint program helps the public become aware of the role that Japan plays in development projects in countries such as Pakistan and Papua New Guinea.