Japan has strengthened its support for football development in Tonga with a donation of training equipment to the Tonga Football Association (TFA), reinforcing more than five decades of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, officially handed over footballs, football boots and training vests during a ceremony at the TFA Loto-Tonga centre on Thursday, 16 July 2026.
Japanese Anbassador to Tonga HE Inagaki Hisao presented the equipment as part of Japan's 'Sports for Tomorrow' initiative after touring the Home of Football with TFA Director of Football Jagdish Reddy.
Ambassador Inagaki said the donation reflected Japan's commitment to supporting the development of young athletes while encouraging healthy lifestyles and stronger sporting communities across Tonga.
He said sport long played an important role in the relationship between the two countries, with rugby traditionally providing a strong connection, and expressed hope football would further strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
TFA General Secretary and chief executive Lui 'Aho welcomed the donation, saying the equipment arrived at a significant time as football participation continued to grow across Tonga.
"These footballs, boots and training equipment will make a significant contribution to our ongoing football development programmes and provide greater opportunities for our young players to train, learn and enjoy the game," 'Aho said.
He thanked the Government of Japan, JICA and the Embassy of Japan for their continued support, saying the partnership strengthened both football development and the friendship between the two countries.
The equipment will be distributed through TFA grassroots, youth development and community football programmes to improve access to quality training resources for players across Tonga.
