Figurama Collectors CEO, Mr. Shanab, Honored with Invitation to 65th JSDF Day Reception

On September 18th, 2019, Figurama Collectors CEO, Mr. Shanab, was honored to be invited to Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day Reception held at the home of the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Takashi Ashiki. This commemorative event, held annually in Japan since 1966, celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Japan Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces.

During the Japan Self-Defense Forces Day Reception, the Embassy of Japan introduced Shanab to many Japanese businessmen and persons of renown, including Colonel Armina (pictured to the left) who provided a thoughtful speech, commemorating this joyful 65th milestone for the JSDF. The Embassy of Japan reemphasized their appreciation for Figurama Collectors and recognized the company’s work in spreading Japanese pop culture throughout the world in a truly influential and meaningful way.

In Japan’s new Imperial Era called Reiwa, meaning beautiful harmony, and the golden age of strategic partnership, the 65th Japan Self-Defense Forces Day holds the promise of a bright and abundant future for the JSDF.

The JSDF was founded in 1954 by Japan’s Ministry of Defense and is considered the world’s fourth most powerful military. In 1992, the JSDF began participating in international peacekeeping operations with the United Nations, including medical, refugee repatriation, logistical support, infrastructural reconstruction, election-monitoring, and conflict prevention.

The JSDF has been instrumental in international disaster relief, providing humanitarian and reconstruction teams to countries around the world, including Rwanda, Honduras, Turkey, Afghanistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, New Zealand, and Haiti. Between 1984 and 1988 alone, the JSDF assisted in approximately 3,100 disaster relief operations, involving about 138,000 personnel, 16,000 vehicles, 5,300 aircraft, and 120 ships, and small craft.