WELCOME TO OUR COLLECTION OF PHOTOs & MEMORIEs of THE EU - EXECUTIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME in JAPAN (ETP4) - Oct 1983 to March 1985
Friday, December 28, 2018
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Friday, November 30, 2018
Greetings from David O'Sullivan (ETP Programme Director)
Thursday, November 29, 2018
from: Herbert and Vanida Visscher
Dear all,
It sounds like we missed some great parties! We hope to catch up with most of you in Brussels in September next year.
All the best,
Herbert and Vanida Visscher
Dear ETP IV,
Apologies for the delay: much to do with the new town, the new house, and the new boat (photo attached).
It looks like those who were able to join the celebrations had the best of time: may every reunion be as happy as this one!
All the best from Auckland, New Zealand,
Alessandro and Wilma Laryn
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
ETP IV 35th Reunion Party in Tokyo (10th Nov 2018)
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Saturday, November 10, 2018
ETP Reunion kick-off (Fri 9th Nov 2018)
The early starters getting into the reunion mood
[L --> R ] Dermot Killoran, Jean Barthelemy, Eberhard Baehr, Kars Meyboom, Peter Thewlis, Yumiko (Killoran), Hiroko (Tully) & Anthony Tully
[L --> R ] Dermot Killoran, Jean Barthelemy, Eberhard Baehr, Kars Meyboom, Peter Thewlis, Yumiko (Killoran), Hiroko (Tully) & Anthony Tully
ETP Reunion kick-off (Fri 9th Nov 2018)
Peter Thewlis . . .with the smile of a recently proud dad (Congratulations!)
Greetings from Hans Mastenbroek and (wife) Ruth
Have only just seen that it is actually quite grainy, but did it as a selfie towards the end of the day, when the light wasn’t great any longer. Anyway, see if you want to use it.
Have a good party and weekend,
Take care,
Hans
Greetings from Niall Matthews (in Brussels)
Hello to you all from the pale sun of Brussels. Well now it’s dark. I had really been hoping to join you all this weekend. I had already taken the vacation days weeks ago and I was keeping the possibility open right until the last minute but now it’s sure (it’s already Saturday Japan time!) that I won’t be able to make it.
I have been working in Brussels for the last few years. I was asked by the Commission to come to Brussels to help with the work on the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement (now called the Economic Partnership Agreement). Everything worked out well in the end. The agreement was signed in the summer and it should hopefully be ratified by Japan and by the European Parliament by the end of the year. Then from early next year import duties in both directions with a few sensitive exceptions will basically become zero. But that is quite enough about work.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Sayuri recently and we reminisced about those good old days! She is as elegant and kind as always.
I hope a reunion event next year in Europe works out.
My next trip to Tokyo with my beautiful Japanese wife will now be in June 2019. I can say that to you knowing that you are the only people who would understand that I couldn’t actually say it to a Japanese person (because as you know it would be like complimenting myself…)! Anyway I hope to be able to catch up with anyone who is around then.
It was really good to read your messages (hey Peter!) and to check out the site. Thanks especially to Anthony and to Dermot and to all of you who are keeping those懐かしいflames burning.
Warmest regards, fistbumps, hugs and kisses (I live in Belgium after all) to everyone. I will catch you next time.
Niall
I have been working in Brussels for the last few years. I was asked by the Commission to come to Brussels to help with the work on the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement (now called the Economic Partnership Agreement). Everything worked out well in the end. The agreement was signed in the summer and it should hopefully be ratified by Japan and by the European Parliament by the end of the year. Then from early next year import duties in both directions with a few sensitive exceptions will basically become zero. But that is quite enough about work.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Sayuri recently and we reminisced about those good old days! She is as elegant and kind as always.
I hope a reunion event next year in Europe works out.
My next trip to Tokyo with my beautiful Japanese wife will now be in June 2019. I can say that to you knowing that you are the only people who would understand that I couldn’t actually say it to a Japanese person (because as you know it would be like complimenting myself…)! Anyway I hope to be able to catch up with anyone who is around then.
It was really good to read your messages (hey Peter!) and to check out the site. Thanks especially to Anthony and to Dermot and to all of you who are keeping those懐かしいflames burning.
Warmest regards, fistbumps, hugs and kisses (I live in Belgium after all) to everyone. I will catch you next time.
Niall
Greetings from Henning Kage & (wife) Etsuko
Dear Delmot,
Great, you have organized big parties in Tokyo!
How many people can take part in ?
We are very sorry not to be able to join you....
Best regards,
Etsuko & Kage
Great, you have organized big parties in Tokyo!
How many people can take part in ?
We are very sorry not to be able to join you....
Best regards,
Etsuko & Kage
Friday, November 9, 2018
Dear friends,
Vanida and I are so sorry that we cannot join you for the reunion in Tokyo this week, but we hope to see most of you at the European get-together. Meanwhile Hans and Ruth Mastenbroek and we had our own little reunion last week at our holiday home in Holland last month, they also send you their greetings (see picture):
After Japan we continued to live in The Hague but we/I travelled a lot in connection with my work as the International Director of AEGON Insurance, also quite a lot in Asia and a few times in Japan - at some point it seemed that we would get another long term assignment there but this unfortunately fell through. After AEGON I worked as an independent consultant for quite a while and we are now officially retired with still some occasional work activities. Busy enough with our three children and five grandchildren (age 0-4 years old), but still with plenty of time to travel and enjoy life. I am a very small investor in the development of the first flying car, PAL-V, which will fly in 2020 - very excited to be involved in its development:
Vanida and I are so sorry that we cannot join you for the reunion in Tokyo this week, but we hope to see most of you at the European get-together. Meanwhile Hans and Ruth Mastenbroek and we had our own little reunion last week at our holiday home in Holland last month, they also send you their greetings (see picture):
After Japan we continued to live in The Hague but we/I travelled a lot in connection with my work as the International Director of AEGON Insurance, also quite a lot in Asia and a few times in Japan - at some point it seemed that we would get another long term assignment there but this unfortunately fell through. After AEGON I worked as an independent consultant for quite a while and we are now officially retired with still some occasional work activities. Busy enough with our three children and five grandchildren (age 0-4 years old), but still with plenty of time to travel and enjoy life. I am a very small investor in the development of the first flying car, PAL-V, which will fly in 2020 - very excited to be involved in its development:
We will have a toast on your good health tomorrow - do have fun and make lots of pictures!
All the best,
Herbert and Vanida Visscher
Greetings from Eric Joris
Organizers Dermoth and Anthony, fantastic to keep these memories alive.
I really wished to be over there, to commemorate it I am putting on today some of the clothes I kept from the ETP days.
...Feels like 35 years ago, maybe more. (proof of it being sent to my classmate)
No plans of retiring yet, still busy in arts and happy with Mia and Ester!
Eric
I really wished to be over there, to commemorate it I am putting on today some of the clothes I kept from the ETP days.
...Feels like 35 years ago, maybe more. (proof of it being sent to my classmate)
No plans of retiring yet, still busy in arts and happy with Mia and Ester!
Eric
Greetings from Peter Vassiliou
Dear E.T.P. IV Scholars,
I am sending you all my love and best greetings and I wish you a happy 35th. Anniversary of our ETP Programme in Japan and every success in your reunion. I cannot make it to the 35th. anniversary, I look forward to the 50th.!
Following our ETP Programme I had a fruitful career at the Agricultural Bank of Greece and at the (Central) Bank of Greece, mostly dealing with Japanese banks and international relations, as well as banking supervision.
I had the chance to visit Brussels quite often participating in working groups at the Commission and the Council. I also attended the Sumitomo Bank Seminar and cooperated with the Bank of Japan.
I am on pension since 2010, in good health overall and enjoying cultural activities in Greece and trips abroad. This year was quite exciting with trips to Lebanon, Scandinavia, Romania and Moldova, as well as Northern Italy. Very interesting countries!
I wish the best of everything to every one of you.
Love and best regards from your ETP IV Co-Scholar, and God bless you and your families!
Peter Vassiliou
Athens, Greece
I am sending you all my love and best greetings and I wish you a happy 35th. Anniversary of our ETP Programme in Japan and every success in your reunion. I cannot make it to the 35th. anniversary, I look forward to the 50th.!
I had the chance to visit Brussels quite often participating in working groups at the Commission and the Council. I also attended the Sumitomo Bank Seminar and cooperated with the Bank of Japan.
I am on pension since 2010, in good health overall and enjoying cultural activities in Greece and trips abroad. This year was quite exciting with trips to Lebanon, Scandinavia, Romania and Moldova, as well as Northern Italy. Very interesting countries!
I wish the best of everything to every one of you.
Love and best regards from your ETP IV Co-Scholar, and God bless you and your families!
Peter Vassiliou
Athens, Greece
Greetings from Jean-Pierre Mura
Hello folks,
Very sorry not to be with you for this attractive celebration.
However, I’ll be thinking of you all, and totally immersed in the Japanese atmosphere as I prepare a big sake tasting event for my Wine tasting Club on Friday night…
Those 35 years have actually been flying and altogether I haven’t been that long in Japan except for a short come back from 2003 to 2006. I have spent much more time in Ireland, South Africa and Tunisia, nearly 15 years in total, of which I can’t complain anyway.
With my wife Catherine we have eventually settled in Angouleme, just between the more renowned cities of Bordeaux and Cognac.
Having retired for nearly 4 years I remain quite busy with social activities, and regularly travel to Ireland where my daughter Pauline works.
Cheers to all; have great fun on Saturday!
Jean-Pierre
Very sorry not to be with you for this attractive celebration.
However, I’ll be thinking of you all, and totally immersed in the Japanese atmosphere as I prepare a big sake tasting event for my Wine tasting Club on Friday night…
Those 35 years have actually been flying and altogether I haven’t been that long in Japan except for a short come back from 2003 to 2006. I have spent much more time in Ireland, South Africa and Tunisia, nearly 15 years in total, of which I can’t complain anyway.
With my wife Catherine we have eventually settled in Angouleme, just between the more renowned cities of Bordeaux and Cognac.
Having retired for nearly 4 years I remain quite busy with social activities, and regularly travel to Ireland where my daughter Pauline works.
Cheers to all; have great fun on Saturday!
Jean-Pierre
Greetings from Petra Reimers
When I came back from Japan my goal was to go back, but I did not succeed. Then I set up on a one year contract a sociology congress with 1500 participants for one week in Hamburg. After1 year contract, shifted to Düsseldorf to work with the national garden show in 87 mainly in charge with the international garden architects and so on. Eventually unemployed- and then studied natural medecine (Heilpraktiker) and Shiatsu therapy.
Next took a job with the Quebec government and was public affairs for German speaking territories.. Germany.. Austria... Switzerland for press, culture and universities. Very interesting work between Quebec and those countries, travelling to festivals speaking with cultural buyers etc. setting up a little Quebec News newspaper...but then after years of setting up many things they decided for household reasons to close down most of the 20 offices they had around the world and Germany.
In 1999, I moved to the south, better weather and smiling people and ended up in Ibiza in Spain where I worked 10 years for the German pages of a local paper. They also closed in 2008 and I decided to take pension in advance with some losses but... then I started to be more creative and exhibit my creations. (see www.pr-art-ibiza.com) For the moment I am fascinated by wood and spare parts (see E.T. in sculpture).
If somebody wants to come around. I have one guest room. If ever you get close ring on the door... better write to know if I am here.
Hugs, Petra
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Greetings from Patrick Goossens and (wife) Lut
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Greetings from Jean Barthelemy and (wife) Kumiko
“Looking forward for another great reunion, superbly organized
this time again by Anthony and Dermot!
35 years have flown, including the 1990-1995 period back in
France, so “only” 29 years in Japan. My two youngest, now 32
and 30, both married, were born here shortly after ETP, and I
remarried in 2001. I also have two grandchildren, 8 and 6, in
Albany, N.Y., born to my eldest daughter, who married a Scot ;-)
My wife works with me at JBC, the consultancy we established
in 2002 (after my 5 years with the French Embassy) to advise
and support European SMEs in tackling the Japanese market.
Fond memories from Berlitz and ETP will come alive on Saturday!”
this time again by Anthony and Dermot!
35 years have flown, including the 1990-1995 period back in
France, so “only” 29 years in Japan. My two youngest, now 32
and 30, both married, were born here shortly after ETP, and I
remarried in 2001. I also have two grandchildren, 8 and 6, in
Albany, N.Y., born to my eldest daughter, who married a Scot ;-)
My wife works with me at JBC, the consultancy we established
in 2002 (after my 5 years with the French Embassy) to advise
and support European SMEs in tackling the Japanese market.
Fond memories from Berlitz and ETP will come alive on Saturday!”
Greetings from Patrick Carroll
Top line, 4th from right.
Patrick Carroll :)
( admin: looks like it was taken a bit more than 35 years ago - haha :-)
Patrick Carroll :)
( admin: looks like it was taken a bit more than 35 years ago - haha :-)
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Greetings from Richard Reddaway and (wife) Lynette
Looking forward to being with the survivors next weekend.
I enclose a recent photo of my wife, Lynette, and myself, entertaining two Malaysian Indian friends for a snack (Malaysian style) in our apartment in Penang.
With best wishes, Richard & Lynette
Greetings from Kyoko Tanaka (formerly of EU Delegation in Japan)
こんにちは！ お元気ですか？
35/36 years ago, I was totally shocked when I heard some participants in the earlier ETP groups said: “We were sent to the moon, put in prison (Diamond Hotel) and got brainwashing (to learn Japanese). “ The first thing then I had to do was to wipeout this image of the ETP. Was it successful?
Last some 20 years until I retired in 2008, I was engaged in services in the trade and industry policy fields in the Delegation. This is the period when you devoted yourself mostly or partly or indirectly to business with/in Japan. It was thus so impressive that the EU- Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, of which actual negotiations I missed, was signed this year! And, you are now happily celebrating your 35th Anniversary of ETP 4. Congratulations!!
I hit “70” last January, a milestone, which means that I met you first just at the midway point of my life. I “look fine” but need great care for health. I enjoy quiet and slow life, mostly staying at home and sometimes going out to see excellent fine art exhibitions in Tokyo. Last October I enjoyed 薪能, no-play in the evening, at Meiji Shrine as you see the photo below.
35/36 years ago, I was totally shocked when I heard some participants in the earlier ETP groups said: “We were sent to the moon, put in prison (Diamond Hotel) and got brainwashing (to learn Japanese). “ The first thing then I had to do was to wipeout this image of the ETP. Was it successful?
Last some 20 years until I retired in 2008, I was engaged in services in the trade and industry policy fields in the Delegation. This is the period when you devoted yourself mostly or partly or indirectly to business with/in Japan. It was thus so impressive that the EU- Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, of which actual negotiations I missed, was signed this year! And, you are now happily celebrating your 35th Anniversary of ETP 4. Congratulations!!
I hit “70” last January, a milestone, which means that I met you first just at the midway point of my life. I “look fine” but need great care for health. I enjoy quiet and slow life, mostly staying at home and sometimes going out to see excellent fine art exhibitions in Tokyo. Last October I enjoyed 薪能, no-play in the evening, at Meiji Shrine as you see the photo below.
Friday, November 2, 2018
Greetings from David Blume & family in Canada
Video & photos below (click on full screen button on video for best viewing experience)
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Greetings from Aad & Leny Dingjan
To all fellow ETP-4’s and especially to Anthony and Dermot.
In the ETP 4 program I am one of the oldest members. When I came to Japan in 1983, I brought along my wife Leny and 3 sons: Daan (9), Wouter (7) and Koen (2). Daan passed away in 2010 due to brain tumor, leaving behind a son. In total Leny and I have 5 grand children.
The training in Japan has had a great impact on my life and career. After the ETP program was over, we stayed in Japan till 1989, getting the Holland based seed company I was working with, better established in Japan. Then we moved for the same company for 2 years to Singapore till 1991.
At that time the company went through a difficult period, which resulted into a change. I joined a Japanese seed company, working in Europe, till my retirement in 2009. In total I worked exactly 40 years, for 4 different seed companies.
Since 9 years we enjoy the freedom of being retired in good health. Usually we spend our time with the grand children, friends, sports, travelling and other minor hobbies.
Aad & Leny Dingjan
October 15, 2018
Confirmed for Tokyo Reunion - the 'three amigos' - Erik, Kars & Peter
Peter is threatening to bring 2 albums of photos - incriminating evidence of past misdeeds.
. . stay tuned for further 'leaked' postings!
Friday, September 28, 2018
Greetings from Patrick Leray [ . . old age is a ship wreck! ]
I didn't want to make an old veteran's serious speech about the good old days !
Let's face reality !
At least I hope that it will make you laugh.
I wish you all the best for the party.
Cheers,
Patrick
Cheers,
Patrick
[Admin comment :]
Patrick seems to channeling the spirit of Marcel Marceau in this wonderfully amusing greeting.
(for best effect when viewing the clip - click the 'Full screen' button at bottom right of the video).
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Hello from Alessandro and Wilma Laryn
We won’t be able to come (to Tokyo reunion), but wish you all to have a great time.
In the last months, we have successfully sold our estate to the Christchurch City Council, and have moved to Auckland, where we plan to live our retirement years devoting our time to hobbies new and old, especially sailing as we used to do in the Mediterranean many years ago (see attached 40 years old photo, surfaced during removal).
Kindest regards,
Alex and Wilma
Alex and Wilma
Thursday, September 20, 2018
ETP IV 35 Anniversary Reunion in Tokyo Greetings from Jos van der Valk
September 24th 1983---just arrived at Narita Airport and sitting in the limousine bus on my way to the Diamond Hotel. It's dark, rainy and the roads are congested. I am getting my first Japanese lessons from a guy sitting next to me. Ichi, ni, san......The endless city scares me a bit. What will the future bring? Well, after the introduction week and the start of the lessons on Monday October 3rd a total of 20 years in Japan. Sometimes it feels unreal but it happened. After the ETP IV program I lived and worked for another 18 years in Japan. I was sometimes called "hana no senkyoo-shi" (for the guys who did not pass the final examination --- "flower missionary"). I am still involved in the flower business. It brings me a regular 3 times a year to Tokyo where I usually stay in hotel "Anthony Tully". The ETP program has formed my private life and my career. I met Tara, my American wife, 25 years ago in Tokyo. Since 2005 we have been living in Amsterdam. About a year ago Cooper G joined the pack.
35 years seems long but it went as quick as the "Sakura" in the wind. I hope to see many of you at the up coming reunion. Let's have some nice days😇. Tot ziens in Tokio. Jos
35 years seems long but it went as quick as the "Sakura" in the wind. I hope to see many of you at the up coming reunion. Let's have some nice days😇. Tot ziens in Tokio. Jos
Monday, September 17, 2018
Greetings for 35th Anniversary inTokyo
To My fellow ETP- 4’ers
We know that not all of you will have the opportunity to travel to Japan for the 35thAnniversary Reunion which will be on Saturday 10thNovember (Anthony Tully will be putting out more specific details shortly).
One idea we have to ask ALL ETP 4 participants to submit a short Video Greeting which we will post on the ETP 4 Survivor’s Blog site. (https://etp4.blogspot.com).
Also, we plan to run a presentation of these greeting videos at the dinner on the first night of the reunion in Tokyo. The concept will allow each of us to update our status to the group and share our personal greetings with each other. Also, for those who cannot travel to Japan the greeting messages will serve as a digital get-together - giving a sense of a reunited ETP 4.
One idea we have to ask ALL ETP 4 participants to submit a short Video Greeting which we will post on the ETP 4 Survivor’s Blog site. (https://etp4.blogspot.com).
Also, we plan to run a presentation of these greeting videos at the dinner on the first night of the reunion in Tokyo. The concept will allow each of us to update our status to the group and share our personal greetings with each other. Also, for those who cannot travel to Japan the greeting messages will serve as a digital get-together - giving a sense of a reunited ETP 4.
You will recall that 35 years ago we had no such technologies as the internet, emails, social media etc. As a result, many of us lost touch with one another over the years. Nowadays making a short video is not so onerous or technically complicated. The approach we recommend is to keep it as simple as possible and use what’s always by your side – the ubiquitous smartphone (iPhone, Samsung etc.). Listed below are some guidelines to keep in mind.
Finally, if creating a video message is not possible - then please send us a static message which will be a recent photo of yourself and a half page of text with your personal greeting. I can then post this on the blog site.
To help visualise what it can be - please check out my own personal Video & static Photo based greetings which I have posted to the blog. (You only need to do one or the other)
To help visualise what it can be - please check out my own personal Video & static Photo based greetings which I have posted to the blog. (You only need to do one or the other)
NB:: We ask that everyone submit their greetings message whether or not you plan to travel to Japan.
Guidelines for Video::
<> The simplest way is to use your smartphone, etc. or record using the camera on your computer for video chats.
<> Small video resolution sizes of 720x486 or 640X360 will suffice (Hi def. sizes of 1080 and above would be too big and cumbersome!).
<> Keep it short. 30 to 60 seconds is all that’s needed.
<> Don’t worry about production quality. Use a selfie stick or get someone to hold the camera.
<> Get enough light on yourself and shoot without distracting background noises.
<> The simplest way is to use your smartphone, etc. or record using the camera on your computer for video chats.
<> Small video resolution sizes of 720x486 or 640X360 will suffice (Hi def. sizes of 1080 and above would be too big and cumbersome!).
<> Keep it short. 30 to 60 seconds is all that’s needed.
<> Don’t worry about production quality. Use a selfie stick or get someone to hold the camera.
<> Get enough light on yourself and shoot without distracting background noises.
Getting the videos on to the ETP 4 Blog site.Video files are too big to send by email so you can do any of the following –
1) Post your video to your social media site and then send the link to me.
2) Send the video to me via my Facebook account -
(email me for my FB address).
(email me for my FB address).
3) Send the video file to me via wetransfer.com (free service)
The Recipient email will be myself – dkilloran(at) gol (dot)com
The Recipient email will be myself – dkilloran(at) gol (dot)com
On receipt of the link or the file I can post it on your behalf.
Guidelines for Photo::
<> As the file size will be much smaller you can use normal email.
<> Email the photo and text to me – dkilloran(at) gol (dot)com
<> As the file size will be much smaller you can use normal email.
<> Email the photo and text to me – dkilloran(at) gol (dot)com
I hope you can all participate in this effort which we hope can serve as a great way to unite us all once again. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me anytime.
Very best wishes to you all
Dermot Killoran
Dermot Killoran
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Greeting from Eric Joris
Dear all, Thank you for taking care of our shared memories…not sure I want to believe it is such a long time ago. The number of you happily retiring seems to confirm however.
Very sad indeed to hear about Allan, I found some pictures in an album, with Alan at the center of the formidable schoolteam of Ochanomizu.
As for myself: still fully enjoying art & research with my performance company. I added some pictures of my wife Mia and my daughter Ester. Ester just sailed across the ocean and is now somewhere navigating around Guadeloupe.
I will surely try to join the planned meeting. I do not want to miss this!
Best regards,
Eric
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Greetings from Jerome Faure
So many great souvenirs, thank you!
ETP was the springboard of my career and Japan remained a huge part of every career move I made, right until retirement.
I feel very fortunate I got this opportunity and the blog reminded me of all the good times we had.
ETP was the springboard of my career and Japan remained a huge part of every career move I made, right until retirement.
Greetings from the Laryn family in New Zealand
Happy New Year everyone!
After a degree in Italy and a master at NESCOT (UK), Fiona is a registered osteopath in New Zealand, based in Queenstown (the local St Moritz), where she is also a snowboard instructor. Federico (Fiona's partner) is a ski instructor and graphic designer. Both definitively on the sporty side.
With more ETP4s nearing leisure time (formerly known as retirement), it looks like the acronym could be rebranded as “Easy Travelling People”: we could start visiting each other! You are all warmly invited, perhaps not all at the same time.
You can see our place in this video: https://youtu.be/CTpO1TE-_nw
Only hurry up, because we’re on the market with the property as well as the business.
Cheers to each and everyone, and thanks for the opportunity to share and rekindle friendship,
Alex and Wilma Laryn
Monday, January 8, 2018
Sunday, January 7, 2018
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