in Tonga
p. 54 · Read in the full issue
Banno Brothers
Growth of Japanese Firm in Tonga
THE growth of the trading firm of Banno Brothers in Tonga is an inter esting example of how Japanese enter prise and industry are making progress in the Pacific.
Mr. Banno, a young Japanese of good education and character, went to Nukua lofa a few years ago, and looked about.
He was joined by one or two country men, and they began trading as Banno Brothers. In spite of the depression they flourished and grew; and to-day they have branches in all the chief villages of Tonga. There are probably 20 Japanese now engaged in the business. They do a considerable importing trade, and supply goods to native traders, and they are also large buyers of copra.
Recently, alarmed by the growth of this foreign enterprise, the Tongan Govern ment imposed restrictions on the further immigration of Japanese, and there seems also to have been difficulty over leases of land. Banno Brothers have erected sub stantial new buildings at Yavau and else where, under the direction of a skilled shipwright brought from Japan.
Mr. Banno, who speaks good English, and is held in respect in Tonga, left re cently on a visit to Japan.