LAHORE, Monday, October 27, 2025 : The Government of Japan has conferred the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation 2025 upon Neveen Syed, Chairperson of the Lahore Floritage Sogetsu Study Group, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between Japan and Pakistan.
Earlier this year, on August 28, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the conferment of the prestigious award on Ms. Neveen for her exceptional efforts in introducing and promoting Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, in Pakistan.
At a special ceremony held during the annual Ikebana exhibition organized by the Lahore Floritage Sogetsu Study Group, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi presented the commendation to Ms. Neveen on behalf of the Japanese Foreign Minister.
Ambassador Akamatsu lauded Ms. Neveen’s dedication and passion for cultural exchange, noting that her tireless efforts had brought the people of Japan and Pakistan closer through art and creativity.
“THE CONFERMENT OF THIS COMMENDATION IS A RECOGNITION OF HER DEVOTION TO FOSTERING DEEPER CULTURAL TIES AND PROMOTING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR TWO NATIONS,” HE SAID.
He further expressed hope that Ms. Neveen would continue to play a vital role in advancing the art of Ikebana in Pakistan and serve as a lasting bridge of goodwill between Japan and Pakistan.
The Lahore Floritage Sogetsu Study Group, under Ms. Neveen’s leadership, has been at the forefront of promoting Japanese aesthetics by conducting Ikebana classes, cultural workshops, and exhibitions across Pakistan, offering citizens a unique window into Japan’s rich artistic traditions and philosophy of harmony through nature.
