More than 20 years ago I came to Japan to study Japanese. I enjoyed my learning experience and I loved to travel and to discover the country. I was fascinated by the people, their dedication, ambition and work ethic, kindness and impeccable manners. I always cherished my memories of Japan so I was happy and proud to be able to come back, this time as ambassador of my country.

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” (Hillel the Elder). It is within our power to make a change and there is no better time than today. If we are not happy with the way things are, it's up to us to make them better, not just for ourselves, but for others as well.

My contribution to Romania’s accession to NATO, as a diplomat at the Romanian Embassy in Washington, D.C., for which I received a special commendation from the president of Romania. I had the privilege of witnessing from the White House lawn the ceremony of accession, the culmination of years of assiduous work. Romania is now a trusted and reliable NATO ally and a respected member of the Euro-Atlantic family.

Bringing Romania and Japan closer together, intensifying bilateral exchanges and making Romania better known in Japan, including by making more Romanian products available to Japanese consumers. I believe that beyond the diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties, the most important thing is to encourage people-to-people exchanges. I would also like to promote Romania, with its natural diversity, openness of the people, its wines and cuisine, as an exciting tourist destination.

Be on time or a little early. Be polite and formal and always dress up. Speak Japanese if you can. Try to have Japanese friends, they will help you make sense of the Japanese life and discover the many facets of Japan. Climb Mount Fuji. Get a bicycle. Experience an onsen hot-spring bath. Enjoy sakura cherry blossoms and momiji Japanese maple. Learn to cook Japanese food; it will come in handy when you leave Japan. Travel the country — you will be surprised how much Japan can offer outside Tokyo, Kyoto and the other main tourist attractions.