Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan 

The Crown Prince of Japan, His Imperial Highness Prince Naruhito attended the funeral of the late King.  The high rank of the Crown Prince shows the respect commanded by the late Monarch and is tribute to His leadership.

Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan arriving at the Palace

The new Monarch of Tonga and his mother bestowed a significant ceremonial honour upon the Crown Prince of Japan.  To signify the end of the Takipo, there is a ritual ‘dousing of the lights’ (lolo-e-po).  The role of ‘dousing of the lights’ was traditionally extended to the person of highest rank, in relation to the late Monarch.  Typically, this would be the ‘fahu’ (or eldest sister) of the departed.

Graciously, this honour was bestowed on Crown Prince Naruhito, showing reverence and respect for his extremely high rank.  This significant act epitomizes Tongan hospitality, to pay tribute, homage and show respect in such a manner. 

His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito fulfilled the ‘dousing of the lights’ (lolo-i-po) to end the Takipo of the late Monarch, King Taufa’ahau Tupou V.