YEREVAN. – Traditional Japanese paper lanterns and paper cranes made in Armenia will be sent to Japan.

On July 24, one thousand cranes and 68 lanterns will head to Japan. “A farewell” ceremony was held in Hikari center in Yerevan.

Back in 2005, Armenian children made the first traditional Japanese paper lanterns to send them in token of solidarity and sorrow. The action has become annual and is joined by children from other states. A delegation of Armenian children visited Hiroshima last year and handed over the lanterns.

The wishes of peace, symbols of Armenia and Japan are drawn on the lanterns. Armenian kids from Macedonia, U.S. and Israel have joined the action.

“Children are not only drawing but studying Japanese culture and history,” vice-president of the Hikari center Ruzan Khojikyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

One of the lanterns with different flags and people of different nations will be sent to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

 “The Armenian nation is well aware of the value of peace. Our goal is to make a contribution to peace, to put an end to the days of grief and sorrow,” head of the center Karine Piliposyan said.