November 11th, 2015
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Tonga commemorated 82nd Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor Akihito
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- His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga hosted a reception on 10th December, 2015, at his residence in ‘Anana to commemorate the 82nd Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor Akihito of Japan. Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tu‘imatamoana-‘i-Fanakavakilangi Tuku‘aho was guest of honour at the occasion.
- The reception was attended by Honourable Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister of Tonga, H.E. Mr. Brett Aldam, High Commissioner of Australia to Tonga, H.E. Mr. Huang Huanguang, Ambassador of China to Tonga, H.E. Ms. Sarah Walsh, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Tonga, Ministers of the Crown, Nobles, Members of Parliament, Church Leaders, Honorary Consuls, and other dignitaries from the Public and Private Sectors.
- Ambassador Numata, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted the significance of the year 2015 in the history of Japan and Tonga, and made special reference to Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako’s visit to Tonga for His Majesty King Tupou VI’s Royal Coronation in July, which was His Imperial Highness’s third visit and Her Imperial Highness’s very first visit to the Kingdom, and her second overseas trip in the past 13 years. He stated that the visit was clear evidence of long-term close relationship between the Imperial and Royal families of the two nations and added a new momentum to the existing friendly bilateral relations. 2015 also marks the 45th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Tonga, and the 50th Anniversary of Japan’s Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, or JOCV.
- “With our combined efforts and determination, nothing is impossible.” recalling outstanding performance of Japan’s Brave Blossoms and the scene of Japanese and Tongan rugby players joining up in a scrum during this year’s Rugby World Cup. “Together we can make a difference, tackle our future challenges to achieve common goal of future prosperity,” said the Ambassador.
- Prime Minister Pohiva conveyed on behalf of His Majesty King Tupou VI the warm and heartfelt wishes for His Majesty the Emperor Akihito on his 82nd Birthday. “His Majesty’s Government appreciates and continues to benefit from Japan’s ongoing bilateral assistance programs, particularly commendable for its size and outreach, and the overarching objective of supporting Tonga’s National Development priorities.”
- “Tonga continues to participate and support Japan in regional and international fora to address issues of global concerns, such as environment, climate change, renewable energy, and security.” said the Prime Minister.
- The National Anthems of both Japan and the Kingdom of Tonga were played, following a toast after the addresses. Over 200 guests enjoyed various Japanese cuisine served along with Japanese rice wine, “Sake.”
- His Majesty the Emperor Akihito is the 125th Emperor of Japan, who acceded to the throne on 7th January 1989.
The arrival of HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho(left)
H.E. Mr. Yukio Numata along with Honourable Samuela Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister of Tonga. (right)
The Toast, to the warm cordial relations between Japan and Tonga by H.E. Mr. Yukio Numata,
HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala, and Mrs. Numata.(left)H.E. Mr. Yukio Numata with Mr. & Mrs. Tevita Mafi, parents of ‘Amanaki Lelei Mafi (right)
H.E. Mr. Yukio Numata along with H.E. Ms Sarah Walsh with spouses (left)
Distinguished Guests attending the Receptioni (right)
Distinguished Guests attending the Reception
Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva with H.E. Mr. Huang Huanguang at the exhibition area.(left)
HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala viewing the exhibition at the Reception.(right)
- His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga hosted a reception on 10th December, 2015, at his residence in ‘Anana to commemorate the 82nd Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor Akihito of Japan. Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tu‘imatamoana-‘i-Fanakavakilangi Tuku‘aho was guest of honour at the occasion.