Diana Abgar secured Japan’s recognition of the First Republic of Armenia in 1920, establishing a diplomatic precedent as one of the first women to hold such an appointment in the twentieth century. Operating from Yokohama, she leveraged her influence as a writer and activist to document the Armenian experience during a period of intense global volatility and geopolitical upheaval.
Early Life and Migration
Born Gayane Agabeg in 1859 in Yangon, British Burma, she was the youngest of seven children. Her father originated from New Julfa, Iran, while her mother belonged to the Tateos Avetum family from Shiraz. Raised in Calcutta, she attended a local convent school and attained proficiency in Hindi, English, Armenian, Chinese, Japanese, and Persian. She eventually married Michael Apcar, a member of a merchant family whose lineage also traced back to New Julfa.
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The Apcar family operated a successful import-export business across South-East Asia, dealing primarily in lacquer, pearls, and shellac. In 1891, Diana and Michael moved to Japan to expand these commercial operations. The couple had five children, three of whom survived. After her son assumed management of the family business, she pivoted toward humanitarianism, journalism, and literature, contributing to outlets such as The Japan Advertiser and The Japan Gazette.
Diplomatic and Literary Output
Her literary career focused on the conditions of oppressed populations, specifically addressing the Armenian Genocide and the influence of imperialism. Between 1910 and 1920, she authored over nine books, including The Great Evil and On the Cross of Europe’s Imperialism: Armenia Crucified. Following the independence of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918, she facilitated diplomatic recognition from Japan. Foreign Minister Hamo Ohanjanyan subsequently appointed her as Honorary Consul, a position she held until the collapse of the republic in 1920.
Final Years
In her sixties, she struggled with arthritis, hearing loss, and declining eyesight. She remained in Yokohama until her death on 8 July 1937 at the age of 78. She was interred at the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery alongside her husband. Her historical legacy was revisited in 2004 when her great-granddaughter, Mimi Malayan, recovered her archive, leading to the 2018 documentary titled The Stateless Diplomat.
Fast facts
- Born: 1859, Yangon
- Died: 8 July 1937, Yokohama
- Role: Honorary Consul to Japan, First Republic of Armenia
- Known languages: Hindi, English, Japanese, Chinese, Armenian, Persian
- Primary subject of writings: Armenian Genocide and international relations
- Burial site: Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Was she the first female Armenian diplomat?
Yes, her appointment as Honorary Consul in 1920 marked her as the first Armenian woman to hold a diplomatic post.
How did she support Armenia while living in Japan?
She utilized her writing and diplomatic influence to advocate for the recognition of the First Republic of Armenia by the Japanese government.
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