The 85th Birthday of Emperor Akihito, the Emperor of Japan was celebrated in Nuku’alofa on Thursday evening, 22 November, with a reception hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii.

The guest of honor was HRH Prince Ata, and also attending was the Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, government officials and foreign diplomats among the 230 guests.

HE Mr Ishii said this year is the 30^th Anniversary of Emperor Akihito’s accession to the throne that the Emperor would abdicate at the end of April 2019.

Emperor Akihito succeeded to the throne on 7 January 1989 as Japan’s 125^th Emperor but in May next year 2019 he will be succeeded to the throne by His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito.

The Ambassador described  Japan’s and Tonga's diplomatic relationship as being “reciprocal but not unilateral”, adding that “a two way flow of mutual respect and understanding reinforced our enduring ties”.

Japan and Tonga will celebrate the Golden Jubilee (50^th) year of their diplomatic relations in 2020.

Rugby World Cup

In the coming two years, Japan will host the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup, and in 2020 Japan will host the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In response to the Ambassador's speech, Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva on the behalf of King Tupou VI, the government and the people of Tonga conveyed “our heartfelt wishes to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito , on his 85^th Birthday which we celebrate at this auspicious reception.”

Emperor Akihito, who is the ninth-oldest currently-serving state leader by age, was born on December 23, 1933. He is the head of the Japanese Imperial Family and head of state of Japan.