Relations Between Armenia and Japan ( Kurumi)
With the help of Diana Abgar (the first female diplomat to Armenia), in 1920, Japan was one of the first nations to recognize Armenia as a republic and Japan, as one of the leading nations of technology as well as being known for the traditional aspects, in a way, can be compared with Armenia. “Although different in size, Armenia resembles Japan,” began H.E. Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan. “We have preserved the language and the national heritage but we are eager to build a contemporary, high-tech country.” The official language of Armenia, Armenian is known to be one of the earliest indo-euro language however after centuries, Armenians still use it today to communicate with each other. While preserving the nation’s traditions, there are signs of innovational encouragements. For example, there is a prestigious award in Armenia which is prized only by people who have made a big contribution in the IT world. This award was previously given to Dr. Tsugio Makimoto from Japan, whom H.E. Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan also personally knows. There is also a high-tech center for anyone who is interested (does not have to be elite in the field). “Harmony of tradition and new things is important. If we concentrate on only the new aspects, we get burnt away and it would not be a good generation if we keep on whining about the past, “H.E. Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan spoke. 

Goals ( Kurumi)
H.E. Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan as the first ambassador of Armenia in Japan, is proud and honored about his position. In 2010, he founded the embassy in search of starting something new for the economic, political, and the cultural direction of his country. “I had a huge responsibility since I was starting something new and had to find myself some followers. It was also very difficult because I wanted to have a good economic relationship with Japan. I think I became an ambassador not because of my career as a diplomat but because I have been here (Japan) for twenty years. I was maybe appointed because I knew about the reality of Japan,” he commented. H.E. Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan feels that good political and economic ties do not work if there are no public relations and knowledge. In Armenia, he mentioned that mainstream Japanese culture is well-known to the general public. However, he thinks that it is significant for them to know more about the real culture of Japan. Initially when he began his work as an ambassador, there were only roughly 20 to 30 Japanese tourists who visited Japan within an year. Last year, the number grew to approximately 10,000 Japanese visitors due to H.E. Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan’s effort of promoting Japan to his home country. “Culture is the name,” he said, “I think that cultural activities led to the increase in the number of tourists.” There are various different events hosted by the Embassy of Armenia such as concerts, ballet performances, lectures, and exhibitions. Recently, H.E. Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan flew to Hiroshima and Nagasaki for remembrance of World War II. He find the cultural interchange and connection at the local level meaningful for both countries. To expose Japanese culture to Armenian children, there are haiku contests as well. Last month, representatives of the Mori Building Company visited Armenia to talk about the Japanese Kimono and tea ceremony. There were also exhibitions of the Hina dolls. He told us that cultural and public interchange leads to more results and sustainability in business. He feels that business without psychological understandings is not good for connections. Therefore as a goal H.E. Dr. Grant R. Pogosyan commented, “Japan is the first and most important nation to present more of Armenian culture and what’s going on there. My biggest task would be to continue what I am doing right now and extend cultural and public exchanges between the two countries