King attends reception for new Japanese Embassy

King attends reception for new Japanese Embassy [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 15:56. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 11:00.

HM King George Tupou V.

HE Ambassador Yasuo Takase.

The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Yasuo Takase, hosted a reception to mark the opening of the first Japanese Embassy in Tonga.

Japan is the fourth foreign country to establish a diplomatic mission in Tonga. The other three are New Zealand, Australia, and China.

The Embassy of Japan was established on January 1 in a temporary office at 'Umusi, while their new embassy on the top floor of the National Reserve Bank was refurbished.

HM King George Tupou V during the anthem of Japan.

Naoko Matahira Afeaki, Tongan Japanese community.

Diplomatic corp and members of the royal family.

HE Ambassador Yasuo Takase arrived in Tonga on March 14 and on March 18 presented his credentials to HM King George Tupou V. Early in May the ambassaor moved into their permanent embassy.

The reception on Wednesday May 27 at the International Dateline Hotel was attended by the King, HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele, other members of the Tongan parliament, and local leaders and invited guests, including the Japanese community living in Tonga.

Tongan Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele.

HE Ambassador Yasuo Takase.

HM King George Tupou V and HE Ambassador Yasuo Takase.

Musical entertainment from Vai Sanft (saxaphone) and a Japanese pianist.

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, and Counselor Ouchi.

The Prime Minister (centre), Deputy Prime Minister (right) and the Speaker (left).

King George Tupou V meets Hiroshi Umeda (70), marine engineer and a senior Japanese volunteer in Tonga.

Naoko Matahira Afeaki.

Foreign Affairs [2]