Friendship between Royal and Imperial households recognised [1]
Monday, February 26, 2024 - 15:53. Updated on Monday, February 26, 2024 - 17:01.
By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
The friendship between the Tongan Royal Family and the Imperial Household of Japan was recognised at a reception to celebrate the 64th birthday of the Emperor of Japan, hosted by the Japanese Ambassador Designate to Tonga, HE Mr Iangaki Hisao, at his residence in ‘Anana, Tongatapu, on 22 February.
The Emperor of Japan, was 64 on 23 February.
HIM Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne in May 2019. He is the 126th Sovereign of Japan and, is considered a symbol of the “State and the Unity of the people of Japan”, said Mr Inagaki.
The Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said that the kinship between Tonga and Japan began in 1970, starting with the Tongan Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Household.
Emperor Naruhito had 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).
“More so, when Their Majesties attended the 2019 Enthronement Ceremony of their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako,” said Hon. Hu’akavameiliku.
Since their enthronement in 2019, HE Inagaki said the Emperor and Empress had dedicated themselves to the country and its people, “sharing their sorrows and joys.”
Tonga's Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho were the guests of honour at the reception.
Attending the event were the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, members of parliament, foreign diplomats and representatives of the business community and non-government organizations.