I’m going to Tonga for the origami workshops!!

Recently, I have met Mr Hopoi Taione.
He is Tongan-born former rugby player for Japanese national team and a business man in Sydney.
He builts the connection between Tongan and Japan for a long time.

I went to see him because I wanted to learn more about Tonga. He is a funny and friendly giant.
He was chosen to go to Japan to learn Abacus. While he was in Uni, he became a rugby player.
He was the first non-Japanese player who played for Japanese national team.

I was invited to run the origami workshops there in August this year by the Japanese Embassy. and Japan Foundation , Sydney.
I am looking forward to meeting more Tongan people soon!

The consul-general of Japan in Sydney, Mr Takewaka was so wonderful, I wish he can stay in Sydney for many years.
I am sure many Sydney people have also missed him but we all wish him for his success in his next position, the ambassoder in Laos.

The photo was taken at the consul-general of Japan’s beautiful house.
It was nice taking photos with Mr & Mrs Takewaka, the violinist, Aiko Goto, the calligrapher, Ren Yano and I.

The drummers are Wadaiko Rindo.