Tonga celebrated the 82nd birthday of Emperor Akihito of Japan at a reception hosted by Japan’s Ambassador to Tonga, Yukio Numata.
The event was graced by Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho and attended by Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva at the Ambassador’s residence last Thursday evening
Ambassador Numata said December 23 is the birthdate of Emperor Akihito and it permits the people of Japan a moment of joyful reflection, just as Christmas is a momentous occasion of expression and family reunion for Tonga.
While welcoming guests the diplomat said that this year has been a monumental year in the history of Japan and Tonga, as well as the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
He also expressed the Government and people of Japan’s sincere and respectful congratulations for King Tupou VI’s Royal Coronation.
Japan’s Royal Family supported the Coronation by sending Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako to the Kingdom of Tonga.
“It was His Imperial Highness’s third visit and for Her Imperial Highness, it was her very first visit and second overseas trip in the past 13 years. This fact is clear evidence of the close relationship fostered over years between the Imperial and Royal families of Japan and Tonga, which is an important pillar of our bilateral relationship,” he said.
He added that their Imperial Highnesses’ visit coincided with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between our two nations and added a new momentum to our existing friendly relations based on people to people exchanges at various levels.
Their Imperial Highnesses visit to Tonga brought the attention in Japan of more than 100 press coverage, which served to promote the charm of the Kingdom among a wide range of Japanese audiences.
Prime Minister Pohiva said 1970 marked the foundation our diplomatic relations “which has only grown stronger over the decades”.
“The personal ties between the Tongan Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial household have forged ever warm and cordial relations. This is reflected in the numerous official visits of the two households to each country,” he added.
Tonga and Japan reaffirmed their commitments to their deep rooted relations with the establishment of the Embassy of Japan in Nuku’alofa in 2009 and the establishment of the Embassy of Tonga in Tokyo in 2012.
“We have confidence that His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata and Her Excellency Ms. Tania Tupou will continue to enhance and strengthen the existing relationship between our two governments,” Prime Minister Pohiva said.
He also added that His Majesty’s Government appreciates and continues to benefit from Japan’s ongoing bilateral assistance programs, particularly commendable for its size and outreach, and the overarching objective of supporting Tonga’s National Development priorities.
“We have shared successful cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade, sports, marine research, infrastructure, education and health. Most recently we applaud the assistance of Japan with the Upgrade of the Wharf for Domestic Transport which no doubt will enable safer travels to and from the outer islands,” he said.
“Not only that, but the Tongan students are much fortunate to benefit from Japan’s academic and vocational scholarships and the recently declared New Scholarship Program. They have returned exposed to a vibrant culture, excel in their various academic fields, fluent in a third language and enriched with talents and skills.
“We welcome the Japanese Volunteers programme that has contributed immensely to the development of the Tongan communities and further deepen the skills and expertise of the local citizens.
“Furthermore Tonga continues to participate and support Japan in regional and international fora to address issues of global concern such as the environment, climate change, renewable energy and security.”
Also present at the event were Ministers of the Crown, Nobles of the Realm, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other invited guests.