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