Japanese Ambassador becomes chief of Savai’i

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 18 June 2017, 12:00AM

The Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Shinya Aoki, is a chief of Fusi Safotulafai.

Yesterday, he was bestowed the honorary chiefly title of Maugaoleatuolo o Salafai during a ceremony at the Malaefono o Fuifatu.

The men of the village led Maugaoleatuolo towards the place of the ceremony.

It was there that Pa’u Sefo Pa’u the high chief of the village greeted the new title holder.

During the official ceremony Pa’u told Maugaoleatuolo that he is now part of the village as well as the family.

“You are the mountain and you are going to live on the top of the mountain,” said Pa’u.

“You are a part of the village and part of our family as well and so you need to help us as well. There is a need for a school building and also help the village with a hospital as well.”

“Give the young boys and girls of the village good education and send some doctors to Savai’i.”

Pa’u said the gesture continues Samoa’s growing relationship with Japan.

 “We have accepted Mr. Aoki to have a title bestowment here in Safotulafai because Japan has helped Samoa in so many developments and I knew that he can also help the village if he becomes a part of us.”

Maugaoleatuolo o Salafai Shinya Aiko acknowledged the support of the matai as well as the chief of the village.

“It is an honor to have been bestowed the chiefly title from Fusi Safotulafai,” he said.

“I will do my best to serve the country and look after the village of Safotulafai as they have given me this great honor of the high chiefly title.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 18 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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