Japan and Pakistan had established diplomatic relations on 28 April 1952. Relations between Pakistan and Japan have been strong. Despite having been through various phases and having witnessed some vicissitudes, Pakistan-Japan relations have kept growing to the mutual benefit of the two countries. Until the late 1950s, the relationship was essentially that of two developing countries. Pakistan, being the main source of raw cotton for Japan's textile industry, was one of its major trading partners. Japanese spindles on the other hand helped build Pakistan's textile industry.