Japan's first resident Ambassador farewells Tonga [1]
Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - 18:09. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Lady Robyn and HE Mr Yasuo Takase
HE Mr Yasuo Takase, Japan's first resident Ambassador to Tonga departs for Japan on Saturday, October 20 after three-years of service.
The Ambassador hosted a farewell reception at his residence in 'Anana on Thursday, October 11 said, he was pleased that the bilateral relationship between Tonga and Japan had been further strengthened, with the appointment of Tonga's first resident Ambassador to Japan Ms Tania Tupou.
"Japan and Tonga have maintained a very long and rich bilateral relations in many fields. The Imperial Family of Japan and Tonga's Royal Family have a long and deep friendship. While rugby, soroban, Japanese language and squash trade remain as indispensable parts of that strong friendship we have today," he said.
"One of my missions in Tonga was to strengthen the visibility of the Ambassador and Embassy to what they should be, or to be a grassroots diplomat who can be a friend from the Royal Family to the people, from the eldest to the youngest and from scholars to future rugby players."
He thanked his Tongan counterparts and friends for their cooperation, kindness and friendship and asked that it be extended to his successor, HE Dr Kazuchika Hamuro who arrives in Tonga next week.