Photos by S. Suzuki and others.

HE Ms Tania Tupou, Tonga's first resident Ambassador to Japan, presented her credentials to Japan's Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on 11 December.

She arrived at the palace in a carriage from the Meiji Seimei Kan building. The presentation was held inside the Kyuchu Seiden Matsunoma room in the palace.

Takai Pale reported from Tokyo that  members of the Tongan community, including her father Lord Tupou, mother Saane and daughter Sinaitakala, attended the ceremony.

The ambassador started her new post at the Government of Tonga's new embassy located at Minato-ku in Tokyo, on 1 October.

Tonga's first  non-resident Ambassador to Japan was HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka (now HM King Tupou VI) and his letters of credence were also presented by HE Ms Tupou on December 11.