The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer, the Shiranui departed Tonga this morning, 30 August, after welcoming the Crown Prince and Princess onboard, and holding a joint exercise with HMAF, during its two day visit.

The Shiranui is the third JMSDF to call on Tonga, following the Ohsumi, which delivered emergency relief supplies after the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Haapai eruption in January 2022.

The Kirisame visited last year in August, under the 2022 Indo-Pacific Deployment.

Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku‘aho attended a welcome reception, aboard the Shiranui on Monday evening, where they received the JMSDF’s Salute of a Guard of Honour.

The reception was also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu, Speaker of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, Hon. Lord Chief Justice Michael Whitten, Head of Missions, Capt Sione ‘Ulakai, Deputy Chief of Defence, and members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Commander Minami said that the Shiranui is on a four-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region to contribute to maintaining and strengthening the regional peace and stability.

"Both countries, Japan and Tonga have hand in hands with the international community to address these global challenges, sharing common values and working together under a free and open maritime order," he said.

The Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Mr Munenaga Kensaku, was grateful for visit and noted the importance of the joint exercises to strengthen cooperation between naval personnel.

The Shiranui held a joint exercise session with His Majesty’s Armed Forces along with Australian and American counterparts, yesterday.