Working visit of the President Armen Sarkissian to Japan

President Armen Sarkissian, who is in Japan on a working visit met with the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid.

The Presidents of the two countries spoke about the opportunities to expand the mutually beneficial cooperation and agreed that potential is rather big and the two countries can cooperate in a number of areas. President Sarkissian said that Armenia could be interested in the Estonia’s experience and expertise in different areas.

The interlocutors referred also to the Armenia-EU agenda, and to cooperation in the framework of Eastern Partnership in particular. Stressing the importance of the contacts between the peoples, President Sarkissian in this context highlighted the invigoration of works aimed at the facilitation of the visa regime with the EU countries.

The Presidents spoke also about cooperation between the presidential structures of the two countries, particularly, on the implementation of exchange programs. President Sarkissian noted that Armenia is implementing such programs already with other countries.

The President of Estonia inquired about the developments in the northern parts of Syria and on Armenian President’s position r the situation. President Sarkissian said that conditioned by the historical ties in the region of the Middle East region and presence there of the Armenian community, Armenia is watching closely the unfolding events and is trying to bring its contribution to the humanitarian initiatives. The President of Armenia expressed concern with the situation and said that the international community should take practical steps to make Turkey stop actions and protect the rights of the Syrian citizens, including those of the national minorities, along the border with Turkey. 

 

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In the framework of his working visit to Japan, President Sarkissian met today with the Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabić.

The President of Armenia assessed as efficient his recent official visit to Serbia and reached agreements. He once again welcomed the decisions of the Serbian side to abolish the visa regime for the citizens of Armenia and open an embassy of the Republic of Serbia in the Republic of Armenia.

He noted that those are important steps aimed at the strengthening of the relations between the two countries.

President of Armenia and Prime Minister of Serbia reaffirmed agreements reached in Belgrad in particular the intention to conduct in parallel with the annual EXIT musical festival in Novi Sad the Armenian Sevan Startup festival, and cooperation in the area of information technologies.

Prime Minister Brnabić said that a Serbian delegation would visit Armenia soon to familiarize with the opportunities for cooperation and look into viable programs. The Prime Minister of Serbia also informed that in a couple of days, on October 25, in Moscow the EAEU and Serbia will sign an agreement on free economic zone. “I am glad that it is taking place when Armenia is presiding at the EAEU,” President of Armenia underscored and expressed confidence that it would provide new trade opportunities for Armenia and Serbia.

 

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President Armen Sarkissian and his spouse Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian at the invitation of the Japanese government were present in Tokyo at the festive events dedicated to the accession to the throne of Emperor Naruhito.

At the ceremony, which took place at the imperial palace of Japan, present were guests from 183 countries, including royal families, leaders of states and governments, dignitaries, heads of international organizations. Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe made a congratulatory address on the occasion of Emperor’s enthronement. In the traditional Japan the Emperor is endowed mainly with ceremonial authorities.

According to the Constitution, the Emperor of Japan is the symbol of the country’s and people’s unity and performs ceremonial duties.

The former Emperor of Japan, the 85-year-old Akihito abdicated last April and handed the throne over to his son. The accession of the new emperor put an end to the Japanese national Heisei – “Achieving peace” era, and ushered in Reiwa era which is translated as “Order and Harmony.” The imperial family of Japan is thousands years old. Naruhito descends from the family which has been in existence for over 2600 years and is the 126th emperor of the dynasty.

 

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President Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian together with multiple guests, who have arrived to Tokyo on the occasion of the accession of the new Emperor of Japan Naruhito, including royal families, heads of state and government, other dignitaries, participated at the official reception held on the occasion of the accession.

President Sarkissian congratulated the Emperor on the occasion of enthronement.

In the framework of the official reception, the President of Armenia conversed with the King of Spain Felipe VI, Prince Charles of Wales, President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen, first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev, former President of Brazil Michel Temer, President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, and former President of France Nicola Sarkozy who is representing France at the Japan’s Emperor enthronement ceremony.

 

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President Armen Sarkissian met in Tokyo with the President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili. The Presidents of the two countries, along with many world leaders, in the capital of Japan are participating at the official ceremony of enthronement of Emperor Naruhito.

“We are good neighbors, and it is always a pleasure to meet with the president of a friendly state,” President Sarkissian said greeting Salome Zurabishvili.

Stressing that Armenian and Georgian peoples’ friendship has a millennia-long history and will undoubtedly continue in the millennia to come, President Armen Sarkissian said, “We have an excellent range of cooperation and undoubtedly huge potential. The opportunities of our joint activities are much bigger, and together we can do much more for our countries and peoples.”

President Salome Zurabishvili in her turn noted that the two nations have a long road to go together and it depends on us how to use great potential existing in the region. She invited her counterpart to conduct official visit to Georgia.

The Presidents of the two countries spoke about a mutually beneficial cooperation in different areas. In particular, President Sarkissian stressed the importance of cooperation in the framework of various presidential initiatives which could include new technologies and education areas. The parties exchanged views also on the regional cooperation and developments. Noting that the Caucasus is a region where different civilizations and cultures cross and the opportunities for cooperation and implementation of joint projects are pretty big, they agreed that respect toward each other, tolerance, and stability are important and necessary conditions for advancement.

 

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President Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian in Tokyo participated at the official reception offered by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and Mrs. Abe on the occasion of the accession of Emperor Naruhito.

Present at the reception were guests from many countries, who have arrived to Tokyo on the occasion of the enthronement of the new Emperor of Japan, including royal families, heads of state and government, dignitaries, heads of international organizations.

 

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In the framework of his working visit to Japan, President Armen Sarkissian met today with the Speaker of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva who is heading the delegation of Uzbekistan at the ceremonies of enthronement of the Emperor of Japan.

Tanzila Narbaeva conveyed to President Sarkissian warm greetings from the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and readiness to establish a mutually beneficial cooperation with Armenia.

Noting that the two countries have great opportunities and potential to develop cooperation, President Sarkissian said, “The time has come give a new impetus and quality to the bilateral relations.”

“The Armenian-Uzbek relations have deep historical roots which are cherished in both countries,” the Speaker of the Senate said. She underscored the bridging role of the Armenian community of Uzbekistan and noted that Armenians enjoy respect and friendly attitude of the Uzbek people.

The parties exchanged views on the opportunities to start a mutually beneficial cooperation in different areas and implementation of joint programs. President Sarkissian noted in particular great opportunities existing in the framework of presidential initiatives which encompass new technologies, education, culture, humanitarian development areas.

Tanzila Narbaeva stressed the necessity of developing cooperation between the legislatures of the two countries.

 

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President Armen Sarkissian, who is in Tokyo on a working visit, met  with the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe.

The Prime Minister of Japan welcomed the participation of the President of Armenia at the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito and his first visit to Japan as President of the Republic of Armenia. He said that Armenia is an important partner of Japan, and they are interested in the deepening of cooperation. “Armenia has rich history, culture, and traditions. Based on that, you focus on new technologies and innovations looking into the future,” Prime Minister Abe noted.

Expressing thanks for the invitation to participate at the historic event of accession, President Sarkissian said, “Even though we are far away from each other, we are close through our values, our cultures, and history. We are both ancient peoples which in many regards have similarities. And we need to look forward. The future is about cooperation. I am confident that together we can achieve a lot.” Among promising areas of cooperation he mentioned innovation, IT, artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling, management of large volumes of information.

In this context, he presented one of presidential initiatives, the ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) program which is aimed at the development of technologies and science in Armenia. Along with other objectives, it is directed also at bringing to Armenia major technological and high technology international companies, thus making our country one of the hubs of artificial intelligence and mathematical modeling. “We will be glad to see Japanese companies in our country in the framework of this program,” the President underscored.

Noting that after a devastating earthquake, Japan was among the first to lend a helping hand to Armenia, President Sarkissian said in particular, “Armenia highly values Japan’s assistance to our country in the area of management of emergency situation, fight against natural disasters, prevention of cataclysms.” He also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in the areas of nuclear safety and regulations, including management of nuclear waste and long-time predictions.

Noting that the two countries have signed the Agreement of liberalization, encouragement and protection of investments which provides practical opportunities, President Sarkissian said that Armenia, which is a member to the EAEU and has a mature banking system, could be viewed as a trade platform. He mentioned food security as a prospective area for cooperation. The Prime Minister of Japan said that the two countries need to learn more about each other and discover each other’s potential. He stressed the importance of notifying the Japanese companies on potential and opportunities of cooperation with Armenia. “It is necessary to alert companies on great potential which Armenia has and inform them that you, as President, are focused on the development of these important areas,” Prime Minister Abe said. Toward that end, he stressed the importance of holding a joint business forum.

On behalf of the government of Armenia and his own behalf, President Sarkissian invited the Prime Minister of Japan to Armenia. “We will be happy to welcome you in our country,” President Sarkissian underlined.

 

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President Armen Sarkissian, who is in Japan on a working visit in Tokyo met with a group of Japanese businessmen.

President Sarkissian told them about the investment and competition opportunities and underscored and our country is open for cooperation. He said that Armenia, as a member of the EAEU, creates good conditions for the entrepreneurs and could become a bridge for accessing markets of other countries. Noting that currently the world is going through a period of fast-paced changes, the President said that in this new era human mind and intellect would have great significance.

“This is a period of time when Japan, with its advanced educational and scientific level and technological development, has an advantage; but this is also a period of time when small countries, such as Armenia, can become successful too. This is the era of high technologies, mathematical modeling, and artificial intelligence. Natural resources are not important for success, to become successful it would be enough to have human mind and skills,” President Armen Sarkissian said. “Armenia is a country where people have a high level of education. Armenia is open to the world, and I hope that we will have serious cooperation with Japan and Japanese companies.”

The President noted that he was ready to assist as much as possible to the companies which would be interested in cooperation with Armenia. “We hope to see more Japanese companies in Armenia soon, as well as Armenian business here,” President Armen Sarkissian underscored.

 

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During his working visit to Japan, President Armen Sarkissian met with President of the famous in the area of food production Japanese Asahi Group Akiyoshi Koji.

Asahi Group is a leading company specializing in the production of beer and non-alcoholic beverages which in recent years has been actively engaged also in the area of food production and processing.

The President of the company told Armen Sarkissian about the main directions of production, cooperation with different markets.

President Sarkissian noted that our country is interested in cooperation with Japanese companies. Among promising areas of cooperation President Sarkissian mentioned food processing, supply, and security areas. He noted that Armenia, which is a member to the EAEU, is working closely with the EU and could be viewed as a trade platform and gateway toward greater markets. Besides, our country has a well-established production of juices and mineral water and in this area cooperation has also great potential.

“Your company’s production is known all over the world, including in Armenia but your presence in our country is pretty small. I believe that perspective cooperation will allow to develop mutual interests,” the President noted and added that Armenia might be attractive not only for sales but also for production and exports.

The head of the Asahi Group noted that they would be happy to see their production represented more in Armenia and the region. The two sides reached agreement that the representatives of the company would visit Armenia soon to see firsthand and discuss cooperation opportunities.

 

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President Armen Sarkissian responded to the questions of the journalist from Shant TV company.

“The Armenian-Japanese cooperation has greater potential than we are using today,” President Sarkissian said who is in Japan on a working visit, responding to the question of the journalist on the Armenian-Japanese relations. “Both countries appreciate the bilateral relations, both countries went through difficult times, both are very ancient peoples, share certain values, qualities, share historical past,” the President noted. “It was very obvious even today, at our meeting with the Prime Minister, as well as during previous meetings with other partners.”

President Sarkissian said that the Armenian-Japanese relations have many dimensions. The two countries are cooperating in different formats which, according to the President, is important but not sufficient because the Armenian-Japanese relations have deep roots and can move forward fast.

“I believe it is significant for us to concentrate our attention on certain areas,” the President underscored. “First, the two countries are located in the regions which are prone to natural disasters, earthquakes. It means that for both countries it is essential to know beforehand, to forecast the possibility of such occurrences. Certainly, it is very difficult to forecast something which comes from nature but it can be possible thanks to new technologies.” The President added that the two countries can successfully cooperate especially in the areas of natural disaster management, nuclear safety and waste management, discuss opportunities for conducting research related to nuclear fuel, separation of contaminated waters. Stressing the importance of cooperation in the prediction of natural disasters and notification in time the public, President Armen Sarkissian said, “On this issue we again go back to artificial intelligence and management of large volumes of information on which Japan is among the leading countries of the world.”

Speaking of his visit, Armen Sarkissian noted that the purpose of the visit was not only to participate at the enthronement ceremonies of the new Emperor, which is a historic event in itself. “My other objective was to hold meetings in the state structures of Japan and in large Japanese companies which are working in the area of mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence and process of large volumes of information. Each of these three areas has its application in all spheres of our lives, however Armenia and Japan can choose one particular area related to environment, natural disasters, earthquakes, and nuclear safety. Both Japan and we are interested in the resolution of these issues, thus they too, will be interested in cooperation with us in these areas, considering the fact that potential for work on these three direction is present in Armenia.” President Sarkissian said that Armenia could have the best technologies but we need to work hard, to have a precise program, resources, manpower, including the Armenians living abroad who are specialists of the area or became successful in other areas.

“We need to make Armenia attractive for foreigners. We need to be totally engaged in all areas, in all developments which are going on in the world,” the President underscored. “We should work with all – the Americans, Europeans, Russians, Chinese, Indians, and certainly, Japanese. We need to turn into reality potential which we possess, and one of the avenues to achieve that is cooperation with the best in the world.” The President noted that the sides still need to learn more about each other.

“Dialogue with the Japanese companies is still at the initial stage, we need to learn about each other, find partners. In the process, we need to consider not only Armenian companies but probably also the Armenians who govern international companies, and engage them too,” Armen Sarkissian said. “It is essential what we can offer people, and having access to the sea or huge fleet is not critical at this point. But it is necessary to have the tools of virtual companies which create great ideas. Today, we have only made the first step on that road. The good news is that everyone is stepping on the new road now, regardless of how powerful is one’s potential.” According to the President, today not only we but the entire world stands at the crossroad of a new era.

“To turn our potential into reality we all need to work, including president, government, Armenian business, educational system,” the President noted. “All should make their contribution. I am trying to make mine, considering the fact that I know many people personally and present to the Japanese companies potential of cooperation with the Armenian firms.” Responding to the question on the enthronement of the Emperor of Japan, President Sarkissian said that it was a historic event and the history of the Empire and the institute of Emperor provide the country not only with historical succession but also with the sense of stability.

“It is very important that any country within itself has pillars of statehood, because every state is going through changes, developments, problems, and trials, and it is significant to have institutes within the state, which regardless of internal or external problems, remain stable and maintain statehood,” the President underscored. “Stable statehood is the base for future development with regard to investments, political developments, and balance, and with other regards. Strong pillars are essential for the state to remain stable. In case of Japan, it is the institute of Emperor. This country has been able to preserve stable statehood for 2000 years, which means we probably have something to learn from them.”

 

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In the framework of his working visit to Japan, President Armen Sarkissian visited one of the world’s largest industrial and technological companies – Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and met with the member of the Mitsubishi Group Board, President of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Council Shunichi Miyanaga.

“It’s an honor to host you at the main office and speak about programs of cooperation we can implement,” the President of the Company Council said welcoming the President of Armenia. He noted that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries started as a shipbuilding company but today has become a major industrial and technological firm.

Noting that in the rapidly changing world the real values will be human mind, creativity and ideas, President Sarkissian said that he wants Armenia to become a scientific and technological hub. According to the President, some of Presidential initiatives are also aimed at this objective and are directed toward developing modern technologies based on artificial intelligence, management of large volumes of information and mathematical modeling and this is the area where “we can be partners.” The parties spoke about cooperation, opportunities of using in Armenia hi-tech and experience of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

President Sarkissian invited the leadership of the company to visit Armenia and see firsthand existing potential and opportunities for cooperation.

 

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In the framework of his working visit to Japan, President Armen Sarkissian was today at the Tokai University. President Sarkissian met with the leadership of the University and delivered a lecture. The Chancellor of Tokai University Kiyoshi Yamada noted that it was a great honor to host the President of Armenia and said, “I am confident that this is an important step forward toward expanding the relations betwen Armenia and the Tokai University. On behalf of our University, I wish your country every success.“

President Sarkissian expressed thanks for the invitation and noted that he would like to talk with the students about the future.“It is going to be a special future, because you are living in the period of great changes,“ the President underscored and added that this is a time when whatever was once perceived as science fiction today becomes a reality.

He referred to the Japanese writer, winner of the Noble Prize in literature Kenzaburō Ōe and said that read him with great interest in his younger years because his books transfered the reader into the future. According to the President, the life of the future will be very different because artirfical intelligence, digital technologies will totally transform the life; industry, healthcare, other areas will change too. “When we start using special mathematical tools or artificial intelligence or tools for managing great volumes of information, we will be able to achieve results much faster. It means that in 10 or 20 years, using artifical intelligence, we will be able to defeat the majority of the diseases which we have inherited.“

The President noted that gradually virtual life was gaining more space and with time, it would become more important. Even political life will become more interactive and technology dependent. For a better organization of virtual life the role of mathematical modeling and artificial intelligence will become more prominent. “Artificial intelligence will become a source of your organized knowledge. It will be with you every day, every moment, will provide you with the necessary information. Thus, artificial intelligence will change industry, manufacturing of machines, leisure, forms of teaching and learning in school and universities, our health, it will change the entire world,“ President Sarkissian noted.

“Every nation will go through that transformation. The world will change, our national interests will be different too, as well as geopolitics. We’ll never be the same. It will no longer be important how much gold or oil you have; the important thing will be how many ideas and how much knowledge you have, how smart and fast you are, ready to fight for your goals. And the process has started already.“ According to the President of Armenia, the new world is the world of startups. Young people, who have ideas, good education, are hardworking, know what’s going on in the world, are able to think and create startups, can become next Google or Apple.

“I would advise you to start you virtual journey, moving toward the future and coming back. Only then you will understand which road to take and what you need to do to become successful in the areas of culture, music, business, healthcare, and others. Along the way you will accompanied by huge volumes of information and its management, mathematical modeling, and artificial intelligence,“ President Armen Sarkissian said. He urged not to be afraid of artificial intelligence which will create millions of new jobs. Speaking about Armenia, President Sarkissian said that it is a small but a country of the 21st century.

“A small country but a global nation which is an advantage in the 21st century because Armenians have a global network. We have ancient history. We are an ancient people which went through multiple calamities and suffered much. If you know the history, you know that more than 100 years ago we were subjected to a genocide in the Ottoman Empire. But we are also a nation of survivors. We are fighters, people who fall and then rise again. This is the quality which will be required in the future,“ he said and added, “Even though we are a small nation, in the 21st century we too, have opportunities.

A nation which has every chance to become successful. I am confident that my people can be successful. The landlocked Armenia in the 21st century can be successful because it can become a harbor or a center for the development of technologies, mathematics, and artificial intelligence. In the new world, half of which is virtual, one can become a harbor for information and its processing. As a state, we have the opportunity if we work hard, have a vision, and are organized. Armenia, which like Japan, learned to rise after falling, can be successful.“

President Sarkissian invited Japanese students to Armenia not only to see ancient churches, amazing nature, enjoy people’s hospitality and delicious food but also to participate at the Seaside Startup project. “You will not only enjoy camp life but will also have the opportunity to win the Presidential Award which is handed to the best startup.“

The Tokai University is a private establishment with the headquarters in Tokyo. It was founded in 1942 and has over thrity thousand students, 1000 of them from abroad. The University offers higher education in the humanitarian as well as natural sciences. It also carries out student exchange programs with over 120 university and educational institutions in 40 countries of the world.

 

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In the framework of his working visit to Japan, President Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian met with the representatives of the small Armenian community in Japan.

At the beginning, President Sarkissian inquired about their activities, then spoke briefly about the meetings he held during the visit and reached agreements. He noted that there is genuine interest toward Armenia and he has had very concrete talks on what can be done together. According to the President, the areas of cooperation are very precise – modern technologies, emergency situations, trade deals, food export and security. “We have much to learn from them in the area of state governance, because that discipline and dedication, which these people have, are laudable indeed,” the President of Armenia underscored.

Noting that our greatest national treasure are our people, Armen Sarkissian said, “That resource must be used to its utmost. We have brilliant individuals, fantastic people who in different parts of the world, in different areas have achieved great success, and it is time we use their potential.”

Afterwards, President Sarkissian responded to the questions from the audience.

During his working visit President Sarkissian was also at the one of the oldest cities of Japan, Kamakura where he observed the huge bronze statue of Amida Great Buddha, visited Hokoku-ji temple, which is famous for its bamboo forest, and participated at the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

President Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Sarkissian visited also one of the famous religious sites, Yurigaoka Hachimangu Shinto temple.

The temple, which was built in the XI century and dedicated to god Hachiman, currently is not only a famous historic site but also an important cultural center. After listening to the prayer dedicated to the friendship between Armenia and Japan, President Sarkissian said that our two civilizations – Armenian and Japanese, are very old and have much in common. The President thanked for the beautiful spiritual ceremony dedicated to the Armenian-Japanese relations and hailed the gratifying work aimed at the preservation of the unique Japanese culture and traditions, keeping the amazing temple as a spiritual and cultural center. “Please be assured that upon returning to Armenia, in one of the oldest churches of the world, which is located in Saint Etchmiadzin, together with our spiritual leaders we will pray for the Armenian-Japanese friendship,” President Armen Sarkissian said.

 

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“I assess the meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe as positive. We agreed to work together to organize the Armenian-Japanese business forum. Most probably, it will take place in Japan to better present Armenia to Japan and Japanese entrepreneurs,” President Armen Sarkissian said responding to the question of the journalist of Shant TV company on the results of his working visit to Japan.

The President noted that to work together, we need first to know each other, ”We know them better because of the Japanese products, ranging from automobiles, big mechanical devices to the latest electronic innovations, you can find all this in Armenia. Thus, the forum will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the Armenian scientific and industrial potential here, primarily in the areas of mathematical modeling, management of large volumes of information, and artificial intelligence,” the President of Armenia underscored. “Interest toward cooperation is mutual. And interest of the Japanese side is greater than I expected. There is interest because the world in changing. In this world many things will not be the same and everyone understands that new approaches are required, new markets and new partnerships should be built. In this regard, Armenia certainly has great opportunities.”

In achieving results, President Sarkissian stressed the importance of being patient, work every day and be consistent: one shouldn’t meet a person and then forget about him.

Speaking of the avenues for the country’s success, President brought the example of Singapore and vision as a factor in the country’s success. “It means to see where you are taking the country, then have a precise plan, decide what steps should be taken to get there. After that, it is necessary to have a good governance system and people who can implement that program. It is also necessary to maintain discipline, including psychological, not to get discouraged by failures, and move forward,” the President underscored. Another factor of Singapore’s or Hong Kong’s success is the fact that these are harbor-cities which became also trade hubs. Armenia has no access to the sea but can become a new port of information and large amount of data. If we are able to make Armenia a harbor in the ocean of information which will receive large amounts of data and release it after processing, distributing it all over the world, we will be successful, and will be performing exactly the same functions which large ports have been performing since Middle Ages as transportation crossroads.”

Responding to the question on what to do so that technologies don’t lead to isolation but are used rather as crossroads, President Sarkissian observed that new technologies require serious attention; we should not view ourselves as the smartest in the world or endowed with everything. “We should be modest, with understanding that there is much to be done and that we have way too little yet. Yes, it is true we have potential which we can utilize and be proud of, or the opposite, leave it unused and remain at the level of consumers,” he said. “In that case, we will be speaking of unfulfilled opportunities; it is the worst thing in the world to realize that you had the opportunity and missed it.”

The President stressed also the importance of human contacts viewing them as a precious source of success, problem solution, dialogue, and advancement. “I believe it is essential to maintain and amplify tolerance and respect we have toward each other in a daily life, making it part of our culture. It is also important we are able to transfer the same relations into virtual world,” he said and added, “Japanese, I trust, are pretty advanced on that because in this country on every step you see responsibility, discipline. This is the main source of Japan’s success of the last 70-80 years – respect toward the state, native culture, nation, one’s own work, toward each other and the family.”