Japan-Tonga Relations 
May 2011
Basic Data
- Diplomatic Relations:
- Established in July 1970
- Japanese Nationals:
- Number of Japanese residing in Tonga: 77 (Oct 2009)
- Trade with Japan (2010):
- Exports: 1.77 billion yen (pumpkin, tuna)
- Imports: 130 million yen (machinery)
- Direct Investment from Japan:
- none
- Japan's Economic Cooperation:
- List of Exchange of Notes
- Loans: none
- Grants: 905 million yen (FY2008)
Cumulative total as of December 31, 2008: 13.5 billion yen - Technical cooperation: 266 million yen (FY2008)
Cumulative total as of December 31, 2008: 8.83 billion yen
Japan has been the top bilateral donor to Tonga since 1993.
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 - 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 Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a-Lavaka) 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 (Current His Majesty King George Tupou V) Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu Tuita 2002 Her Royal Highness Princess Nanasipauu Tukuaho 2003 His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a (Current His Majesty King George Tupou V), Minister of Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment, Hon. Fielakepa HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka-Ata, appointed prime minister (Current His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a-Lavaka) 2004 HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka-Ata, appointed prime minister (Current His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a-Lavaka) 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
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, and have since exchanged frequent high-level political visits. The Imperial family of Japan and the Royal family of Tonga have developed a cordial and personal relationship over the years as well. The current king of Tonga, His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, has already paid 7 visits to Japan.
Japan is the top donor to Tonga and the largest export market for Tongan products. Most notably, Tongan squash has become an important export item to the Japanese market (96% share of total export from Tonga to Japan is squash).
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, several popular Tongan Rugby players play for top Japanese university or company teams, a couple of whom being members of the Japanese national rugby team! A Rikishi (traditional Japanese wrestler) of Tongan descent, Musashimaru, reached the top rank of Yokozuna (grand champion) in the traditional world of Sumo. The wrestler is widely known all over Japan.
- Visit to Japan by Hon. Dr. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga (March 2008)
- Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Toshio Kojima's Attendance at the PIF Post-Forum Dialogue and Visit to Tonga and Fiji (Outline and Evaluation) (August 2001)
Press Secretary's Press Conference on Tonga
| Year | Month | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | October | 16 |
| 2005 | June | 24 |
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