Bilateral relations between Japan and Switzerland have evolved into a robust partnership over the past 160 years, characterized by a strong commitment to innovation, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1864, the two nations have collaborated closely in trade, technology, and sustainability, with Japan emerging as a key trading partner for Switzerland in Asia. In this interview, His Excellency Ambassador Yoshinori Fujiyama shares insights into the historical journey of Japan-Switzerland relations and discusses recent milestones, including former Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Switzerland for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine and President Amherd’s visit to Japan. He also highlights the upcoming Expo Osaka 2025, where Switzerland will showcase its innovative spirit and cultural heritage. Additionally, the ambassador addresses future collaboration opportunities, particularly in technology and industry, and the deepening cultural ties between the two nations.
Bridges: As we celebrate the 160th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland, could you reflect on the historical journey of our bilateral ties?
Fujiyama: The long-standing friendship between Japan and Switzerland began in 1864 when the Japanese-Swiss Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed between the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Swiss Confederation. Ever since, we have both developed a rich and vibrant relationship over the past 160 years.
We have been cooperating closely together in various fora, addressing global challenges such as those faced in the United Nations Security Council, where both of our countries are serving as non-permanent members in 2023 and 2024. There have been active exchanges between our leaders and high-level officials, including the recent visit by then Prime Minister Kishida to Switzerland for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine in June, as well as President Amherd’s visit to Japan in August, who had meetings with Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and a working dinner with Defense Minister. Furthermore, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan held audience to President Amherd at the Imperial Palace.
Our cooperation in business, academia, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges has continued to grow steadily. At the local government level, the number of sister city partnerships has now reached 17. President Amherd also visited Shinagawa-District, Tokyo, and enhanced the ties between the sister cities of Shinagawa and Geneva during her visit in Japan.
Our cooperation in business, academia, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges has continued to grow steadily.
Yoshinori Fujiyama, Japanese Ambassador to Switzerland
These diverse exchanges across multiple fields have shaped the strong ties we enjoy today. Switzerland has become a key partner for Japan, sharing common values such as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental human rights, and the rule of law.
What key trends and opportunities do you observe in the economic relationship between our two nations?
The value of trade between the two countries and the number of Japanese companies operating in Switzerland have increased, since the entry into force of the Japan-Switzerland Economic Partnership Agreement in 2009. The economic activities between our two countries have grown more actively.
I would be happy if activities in the area of start-ups and innovation could further deepen economic relations between our two countries by the establishment of the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka (Swissnex).
Furthermore, the Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai will be held in next year, where Switzerland will show its strong presence with its own pavilion with its outstanding innovation power and sense of sustainability. I am convinced that deeper relationships between our two countries in the government and private sectors, will lead to positive developments, including economic collaborations.
Are there specific industries or technologies that both countries are eyeing as areas of significance for future collaboration?
The potential cooperation between our two countries can flourish in the fields of biotechnology, IT, environmental technology, as well as start-ups and innovation. In January 2023, the 5th Japan-Switzerland Joint Committee on Science and Technology was held in Bern, where the latest update on policies, activities, and future directions in the field of science and technology was shared. In addition, in October 2023, the cooperation between the two countries deepened even further, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on science, technology and innovation cooperation by then Minister Moriyama, Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and State Secretary Hirayama, Education, Research and Innovation.
I would like to introduce innovative Japanese technologies that might be of Switzerland’s interest, such as sustainable development technologies that Japanese companies have leading position in the world, including clean power generation, energy management, resource reuse and utilization, communication technology, medical diagnosis and testing, smart agriculture, and disaster prevention, which can address global issues.
Both countries have many start-up companies that are working together. I hope that there will be much more projects that connect excellent technologies of our two countries in the future.
How have cultural ties between Japan and Switzerland strengthened over the years, and what initiatives are being undertaken to deepen these connections?
Cultural exchanges between Japan and Switzerland are expanding into various fields, including music, art, dance, architecture, and food. The academic exchange was drastically enhanced this year in the field of international politics, environment protection, comparative law, and so forth thanks to the cooperation of many Swiss academic organizations. Obviously, we have a strong cultural interest each other.
In this anniversary year, countless commemorative events were and will be held in both countries, and one of the highlights in Switzerland was the Japan Festival held at the Bern History Museum in September, which enabled many visitors to look back on the 160-year history of exchange by experiencing a variety of Japanese culture. Commemorative events are still to come, so please check the event calendar on our Embassy’s website. I hope that the foundation of mutual understanding and respect, which are even reinforced with active cultural exchange, will contribute to the further development of relations between our two countries.
