Japan's first resident Ambassador farewells Tonga

Japan's first resident Ambassador farewells Tonga [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - 18:09. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.

Lady Robyn and HE Mr Yasuo Takase

HE Mr Yasuo Takase, Japan's first resident Ambassador to Tonga departs for Japan on Saturday, October 20 after three-years of service.

The Ambassador hosted a farewell reception at his residence in 'Anana on Thursday, October 11 said, he was pleased that the bilateral relationship between Tonga and Japan had been further strengthened, with the appointment of Tonga's first resident Ambassador to Japan Ms Tania Tupou.

"Japan and Tonga have maintained a very long and rich bilateral relations in many fields. The Imperial Family of Japan and Tonga's Royal Family have a long and deep friendship. While rugby, soroban, Japanese language and squash trade remain as indispensable parts of that strong friendship we have today," he said.

"One of my missions in Tonga was to strengthen the visibility of the Ambassador and Embassy to what they should be, or to be a grassroots diplomat who can be a friend from the Royal Family to the people, from the eldest to the youngest and from scholars to future rugby players."

He thanked his Tongan counterparts and friends for their cooperation, kindness and friendship and asked that it be extended to his successor, HE Dr Kazuchika Hamuro who arrives in Tonga next week.

The Ambassador presented sports equipment worth $2,700 to Lady Robyn Tu'ivakano, the President of the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Social Committee. This included rugby balls, a table tennis, volleyball and netball equipment to support the sports competitions for government ministries and agencies.

"I very much enjoyed my stay and life in Tonga, both officially and personally - except Sundays," he said.

Benefits

Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu, said the Government of Tonga has benefited tremendously from the assistance of the Government of Japan, through various Grant Aid Projects, since he was appointed Ambassador.

He said, in particular was the upgrade and refurbishment of the Vaiola Hospital phase, the construction of the new MV 'Otuangaofa ferry and the completion of over 400 Tongan households connected with solar energy.

The Government appreciated the ongoing Grant Aid projects, grassroot grant programs, technical cooperation and opportunity for Tongans to receive short-term and long-term training, he said.

HE Mr Yasuo Takase will take up his new posting as Japan's Ambassador to Jamaica in November.

HE Mr Yasuo Takase [2]

Japan [3]

Foreign Affairs [4]