A Japanese national Masanori Kawaguchi (63), who performed the ceremonial role of the King’s kai fono at the royal Taumafa kava ceremonies for two kings of Tonga, was buried at Mala’e’aloa on Thursday, 25 February. 

Prior to the burial a Royal Family Prayer Service conducted by Rev Dr 'Ahio was held at Consular House, Nuku'alofa, attended by the King and Queen and other Royal Family members.

Masanori's son Masatada confirmed today that his father who suffered from cancer had passed away at their home in Sopu on Sunday, 21 February.

Masanori, better known locally as Masa, first came to Tonga in the 1970s as a volunteer with Japan's International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He went back to Japan and returned in the 1990s to Nuku'alofa and established various business ventures. He pioneered the export of seaweed and ran a Japanese restaurant in central Nuku'alofa.

Masa had served as the "kai fono" during royal ceremonies for the monarch, since the late King George V's reign. 

He is survived by three sons and grandchildren.