an ambassador. I wanted to be the ambassador to Japan," said Richardson, European Commission envoy, in a recent interview with The Japan Times. "I'm busy trying to understand Japan again, trying to understand what's changed, and what's the same. Very exciting."
The 59-year-old Briton first arrived in Japan as a trade official with the EU's predecessor in 1984, then served as deputy head of the Tokyo delegation between 1986 and 1988. The commission serves as the civil service of the European Union, implementing its policies. Fascinated by Japan's people and culture, Richardson soon resolved to become a specialist on the country.
Before assuming his current post, Richardson served as deputy director general of the Europe Aid Cooperation Office. His career has focused on two main areas -- providing assistance to developing countries and conducting research in science and technology.
One of his personal objectives, Richardson said, is to develop deeper cooperation between Japan and the EU in these two areas.