The 82^nd birthday of the Emperor of Japan Akihito was celebrated in Tonga with a reception hosted by the Japanese Ambassador, HE Mr Yukio Numata on 10 December at his residence in ‘Anana.

Ambassador Numata said that the Emperor’s birthday falls on 23 December.

He reflected that Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako visited Tonga this year for the Coronation of King Tupou VI. It was the third visit to Tonga by the Crown Prince, while the Crown Princess was making her first visit and only her second overseas trip in the past 13-years.

“This fact is clear evidence of the close relationship fostered over the years between the Imperial and Royal families of Japan and Tonga, which is an important pillar of our bilateral relationship.”

The Ambassador said their visit had also coincided with the 45^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tonga and Japan, "adding a new momentum to our existing friendly relations based on people to people exchanges at various levels."

He thanked Government’s ongoing support and cooperation with Japan and was grateful for the Tongan people standing by Japan’s initiatives to not only further their efforts on disaster risk reduction but also remembering the devastation of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku.

Bilateral assistance

Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva said the Tonga Government appreciated and continued to benefit from Japan’s ongoing bilateral assistance programs.

"We have shared successful cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade, sports, marine research, infrastructure, education and health. More recently we applaud Japan’s assistance with the upgrade of the domestic wharf that will enable safer travels to and from the outer islands."

He said with Tonga’s successful participation at the Seventh Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Fukushima, earlier in May, Tonga reaffirmed its commitment to the PALM process and stressed the importance of strengthening the monitoring process.

“Tonga continues to participate and support Japan in regional and international forums to address issues of global concern such as the environment, climate change, renewable energy and security.”

Crown Princess Sinaitakala was the guest of honour at the event.