Japan–Tonga relations

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Japan–Tonga relations
Map indicating locations of Japan and Tonga

Japan

Tonga

Nuku'alofa, whilst Tonga has an embassy in Tokyo
.

In early 2009, Japan became the fourth country to establish an embassy in Tonga (following

People's Republic of China). In March, Ambassador Yasuo Takase became the first resident ambassador of Japan in Tonga.[2] He was also the first resident Japanese ambassador in any Polynesian country.[3]

The opening of the embassy came in a context of increased Japanese development aid in the Pacific.[4][5]

State visits

In May 2009, Tongan Prime Minister Feleti Sevele was welcomed to Japan by Emperor Akihito for a regional discussion on aid.[6]

Taufaʻahau Tupou IV (King of Tonga from 1965 to 2006) visited Japan on seven occasions.[1]

Trade

In 2013, Tonga's exports to Japan (consisting primarily in

machinery) were worth JPY 460 million. Japan is Tonga's largest export market.[1]

Diplomatic missions

Japan has sent only bureaucratic diplomats as ambassadors to Tonga. On the other hand, however, one of the Tongan ambassadors is a member of the royal family, Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka (2010–2012).[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Japan-Tonga Relations", Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  2. ^ "King attends reception for new Japanese Embassy" Archived 2011-05-27 at the Wayback Machine, Matangi Tonga, May 30, 2009
  3. ^ "First resident Japanese Ambassador in Tonga" Archived 2011-05-27 at the Wayback Machine, Matangi Tonga, March 20, 2009
  4. Radio New Zealand International
    . May 21, 2009. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  5. ^ "Pacific Leaders call on Japan for leadership in Water and Sanitation", Matangi Tonga, May 21, 2009
  6. ^ "Emperor Akihito welcomes Pacific Islands leaders" Archived 2011-05-27 at the Wayback Machine, Matangi Tonga, May 22, 2009
  7. ^ "Tonga's Crown Prince New Ambassador to Japan | Pacific Islands Report". Archived from the original on 2021-11-11. Retrieved 2017-11-22.

External links