Japan-Tonga Relations (Basic Data) 
June 2012
Basic Data
- Diplomatic Relations:
- Established in July 1970
- Japanese Nationals:
- Number of Japanese residing in Tonga: 89 (Oct 2010)
- Trade with Japan (2011):
- Exports: 214 million yen (pumpkin, tuna)
- Imports: 391 million yen (machinery)
- Direct Investment from Japan:
- none
- Japan's Economic Cooperation:
- List of Exchange of Notes
- Loans: none
- Grants: 1,146 million yen (FY2009)
Cumulative total as of March 31, 2010: 14.7 billion yen - Technical cooperation: 310 million yen (FY2009)
Cumulative total as of March 31, 2010: 9.15 billion yen
VIP Visits
- From Japan to Tonga
-
Year Name 1990 Takashi Hasegawa (House of Representatives) Bunbei Hara (House of Councilors), Megumu Sato (House of Representatives) (Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Union (APPU) member's visit) 2001 Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Toshio Kojima 2003 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino 2005 Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Keishiro Fukushima 2006 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince 2008 His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince 2012 Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi - From Tonga to Japan
-
Year Name 1982,1985,1986,
1989,1992,1994,
1995His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV 1994,1997,1998 Prime Minister Baron Vaea of Houma 1983,1984,1985,
1988,1990,1992,
1994,1995His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a (Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence) 2000 HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka-Ata, appointed prime minister (Current His Majesty King Tupou VI) His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education and Civil Aviation, Dr. Langi Kavaliku Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries, Dr. Masaso Paunga 2001 Hon. Veikune, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries, Dr. Masaso Paunga His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu Tuita 2002 Her Royal Highness Princess Nanasipauu Tukuaho 2003 His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a , Minister of Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment, Hon. Fielakepa HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka-Ata, appointed prime minister (Current His Majesty King Tupou VI) 2004 HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka-Ata, appointed prime minister (Current His Majesty King Tupou VI) Minister of Health, Mr. Viliami Tàu Tangi 2006 His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a (Current His Majesty King George Tupou V） Prime Minister, Hon. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele 2007 Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Viliami Tau Tangi His Majesty King George Tupou V 2008 Prime Minister, Hon. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele Minister of Transport, Hon. Paul Karalus 2009 Prime Minister, Hon. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele Ministry of Transport, Hon. Paul Karalus 2010 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Viliami Tau Tangi Minister for Works, Acting Minister for Transport, Lord. Nuku Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Viliami Tau Tangi 2011 His Majesty King George Tupou V
Cultural Grant (cumulative total fiscal 1975-2004)
133.2 million yen (Cultural Grant Aid)
Overview
Over the years, Japan and Tonga have nurtured an excellent bi-lateral relationship. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1970. The Imperial family of Japan and the Royal family of Tonga have developed a cordial and personal relationship over the years.
Japan is a major donor to Tonga and an important export market for Tongan products. Primary products including Tuna, Pumpkin and Taro accounts for more than 70% of Total Tongan export to Japan in roll.
One of the most prominent aspects of the friendly relationship between the peoples of the two nations is sports, especially in Rugby and Sumo wrestling (Japanese style wrestling). In fact, popular Tongan Rugby players play for Japanese university or company teams, several of whom being members of the Japanese national rugby team!
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