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TONGA

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara (center) makes a keynote speech during a two-day meeting of defense ministers of Japan and Pacific island countries in Tokyo
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 21, 2024
Japan defense academy to accept students from Pacific states
The academy will accept students from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, all of which have their own militaries.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa (far left) and the prime minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa (far right), meet in Apia, the capital of Samoa, on Feb. 10.
COMMENTARY
Feb 21, 2024
Japan plays a game of Pacific islands geopolitical chess
The influx of Chinese investment and activities have introduced risk for some Pacific island nations, moves which Japan cannot ignore.
Portugal's historic Rugby World Cup win in Toulouse, France, on Sunday, was a reminder of the challenges Tier 2 nations face in the sport.
MORE SPORTS / Rugby
Oct 10, 2023
Mind the gap! Rugby's Tier 2 nations want more and better fixtures
Despite providing some moving moments at the Rugby World Cup in France, the sport's minnows are far away from being able to upstage established teams.
South Africa's fly-half Manie Libbok prepares a kick during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Tonga at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France, on Sunday.
MORE SPORTS / Rugby
Oct 2, 2023
Springboks beat feisty Tonga 49-18 to close in on quarters
While Tonga put on a brave showing, South Africa fed off their errors and had too much guile and experience.
Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton celebrates his try against Tonga during their 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match in Nantes, France, on Saturday.
MORE SPORTS / Rugby
Sep 17, 2023
Johnny Sexton breaks records as Ireland eyes Springkoks at World Cup
The 38-year-old became his country's all-time top scorer in a convincing bonus-point win over Tonga.
Many scientists say more research into volcanoes is vital to gauge how far eruptions can briefly affect the long-term trend of global warming, which is primarily driven by burning fossil fuels.
ENVIRONMENT / Earth science / ANALYSIS
Sep 15, 2023
Why is 2023 so hot? A rare Pacific volcano is among the suspects
Greenhouse gas emissions are overwhelmingly to blame, scientists say, but water vapor from the Tonga eruption last year may have played a role too.
Japan's players celebrate after their international test win over Tonga at Hanazono Stadium in Osaka Prefecture on Saturday.
MORE SPORTS / Rugby
Jul 30, 2023
Newcomers, returnees forcing Jamie Joseph to make tough decisions
The Brave Blossoms' head coach admitted that with just one game remaining before he makes the final cut, there would be some sleepless nights.
Jone Naikabula (second from right) celebrates after scoring Japan's opening try against Tonga during a Pacific Nations Series test in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture, on Saturday.
MORE SPORTS / Rugby
Jul 30, 2023
Brave Blossoms produce glimpses of magic in win over Tonga
The Brave Blossoms wrap up their Pacific campaign next week in Tokyo when they play Fiji
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on Tuesday.
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 26, 2023
Antony Blinken in Tonga warns of 'predatory' Chinese aid
As part of a drive to build Washington's influence across the region and to counter Beijing's growing clout, Blinken touched down in Tonga on a diplomatic charm offensive.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
May 10, 2023
U.S. opens embassy in Tonga in fresh pushback against China in Pacific
Earlier this year, Washington reopened its embassy in the Solomon Islands after a 30-year absence.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jan 15, 2023
One year on, massive Tonga eruption still reverberates across Pacific Rim
The blast underscored the risks to other nations in the 'Ring of Fire,' particularly Japan, and the importance of gathering precise data to understand just how big those threats might be.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 11, 2022
Magnitude 7.1 quake strikes near Tonga; tsunami warnings issued for nearby islands
Hazardous tsunami waves from the earthquake are possible within 300 km of the epicenter along the coasts of Niue and Tonga.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Aug 30, 2022
Secret data, tiny islands and a quest for treasure on the ocean floor
Mining firm The Metals Co. has worked hard to gain access to mineral-rich sea beds it says will help power the EV revolution, but its proposed operations worry environmentalists.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 13, 2022
U.S. to expand its Pacific footprint amid growing Chinese clout in region
The Biden administration will request $60 million per year from the U.S. Congress over the next 10 years in connection with a new economic assistance agreement.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 3, 2022
Outgunned island states vow to fight deep-sea mining
Companies eager to scrape the ocean floor 5,000 to 6,000 meters below sea level stand to earn billions harvesting manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jun 12, 2022
Japan's deep rugby bonds with Tonga on display in charity match
Around 8,000 fans attended the game that ended with players from both teams gathering in a circle and offering their prayers for Tonga and its people.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 30, 2022
China and Pacific island nations unable to reach consensus on security pact
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday urged the Pacific region not to be 'too anxious' about his country's aims after a meeting in Fiji with his counterparts from 10 island nations.
Japan Times
WORLD
Feb 11, 2022
‘Contactless’ humanitarian aid has its perks, and pitfalls
COVID-era travel restrictions have mostly prevented expatriate aid workers from flying into Pacific island nations after natural disasters. The results have been mixed.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 2, 2022
Tonga goes into lockdown after detecting rare COVID-19 cases
There have been fears an influx of ships and planes delivering badly needed water, shelter and food had increased the risk of a pandemic outbreak in Tonga.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Science & Health
Jan 29, 2022
Tsunami models underestimated shockwave from Tonga eruption
Forecasting models and warning systems, designed primarily to assess earthquake-triggered waves, did not account for the boosting effects of the shockwave.

Longform

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.
The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores