The 61st birthday of HIM Emperor Naruhito of Japan was celebrated in Tonga yesterday evening, at the 'Anana residence of the Ambassador Designate of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga, HE Mr Munenaga Kensaku.


HRH Prince Ata was the Guest of Honour at the reception.

The Prime Minister Hon. Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu’I’inetoa, Cabinet Ministers, members of parliament, foreign diplomats and members of the business community and non government organisations attended.

Emperor Naruhito has visited Tonga three times (as Crown Prince in 2006 attending the Funeral of Tupou IV; in 2008 attending the coronation of Tupou V;and in 2015 attending the coronation of King Tupou VI).

HE Mr Munenaga said that after the attestation ceremony for ambassadors at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, he had an audience with Emperor Naruhito when he expressed his “warm hearted feelings” (for Tonga) backed by his three state visits to the Kingdom.

The Ambassador Designate and his wife arrived in Tonga in November 2020, and despite certain restrictions because of COVID-19, “Whenever I see the beautiful sunrise here, over the Manumataongo Bay, it is as if I see a brigher future where we will move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“Tonight on the occasion of our national day reception, I reaffirm our 50 year cordial friendship with all of you, and I, as the ambassador of Japan to Tonga, vow to faithfully fulfil my mission in the Kingdom of Tonga, toward the next 50 years.”