My first encounter with Japan was at the age of eight, when I was given a book titled, “Taro-san: Le montreur d’images” by Marie-Antoinette de Miollis. Through this book I came to appreciate the good manners of the Japanese and their love of their traditional civilization. This book, written by a non-Japanese, left a great impression on me and is still part of my library.

I was never wise enough to formally adopt a motto. But it so happens that throughout my life, I came to meet lots of different people, perspectives and civilizations. This led me to follow an old adage that goes, “You learn through loving and through love you learn.” Thus, I am trying to be a good pupil and learn as much about Japan as I can.

Having been able to serve with honor so far is, in my opinion, the only achievement I can be proud of as a public servant. Everything else is considered as part of my responsibilities, that is, my duty to carry out my work to the best of my abilities.

One of a diplomat’s jobs is to understand and be understood. So, my first priority is to learn to understand Japan. Thus, I will be able to explain Greece to the Japanese, and Japan to the Greeks. This is how a good climate is created for all sorts of interaction — from culture to business, and from education to trade.

I think it is too early for me to be able to give advice about living and working in Japan. However, taking stock from my first impressions, I can say that Japan’s biggest natural resource is its people, their mentality and how people express themselves. Respect is the cardinal word for foreigners to abide with.