Naoko Afeaki dies in Tonga [1]
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 18:30. Updated on Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 15:21.
A Nuku'alofa businesswoman Naoko Matahira Afeaki (51) passed away at her residence in Kolofo'ou on Wednesday, June 9 after a battle with cancer.
Naoko, from Japan, lived in Tonga for 20 years and established a guesthouse, the Nerima Lodge at Kolofo'ou, which she had operated since 1999. She came to Tonga after marriage to a Tongan, Tasi Afeaki, who pre-deceased her. They supported the development of sumo wrestling in Tonga, and Naoko also made a contribution to the development of Japanese tourism in Tonga.
A close friend and employee, Petelo Pifeleti, confirmed that Naoko had passed away around 5pm on June 9 at Nerima Lodge. Her funeral service will be held at the Catholic Basilica on Friday June 11, at 10:00 am, before her burial at Tofoa.
Petelo said he accompanied Naoko to Japan last month where she met and farewelled close friends and family before returning to Tonga a few weeks ago.