The 160th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Switzerland
Overview
The 160th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Switzerland (Overview) [PDF - 3MB]
Calendar of Commemorative Events of the 160th Anniversary
Event CalenderMessages from the Ambassadors
Yoshinori FUJIYAMA Ambassador of Japan to Switzerland |
Andreas BAUM Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan |
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Over the past 160 years, Japan and Switzerland have developed a dynamic and prosperous relationship. Switzerland is now an important partner for Japan that shares universal values such as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental human rights, and the rule of law. In fact, we are cooperating closely in various fora in the international community, including addressing global challenges in the United Nations Security Council of which we are both non-permanent members in 2023 and 2024. Meetings and exchanges between leaders and high level representatives of both governments and parliaments are extremely active. Our cooperation in the fields of business, academia, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchange is also steadily expanding. At the local governmental level, sister city relationships have reached as many as 17. I am excited to mark the 160th anniversary with you, and very much hope that it will further strengthen these close ties between our two countries beyond 2024 into the future. |
It is a great joy for my country Switzerland to celebrate 160 years of diplomatic relations with Japan! From precision and ingenuity to our love of nature and a shared commitment to multilateralism, we have much in common. Our bilateral relations were first established thanks to the pioneering spirit of Swiss watchmakers. They came to Japan to explore a new market for their innovative products and ended up concluding the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1864. To this day, entrepreneurship and economic exchanges remain at the core of our ties. Recently, Japan has been the strongest driver of Swiss exports to Asia. Here in Japan, a growing presence of Swiss companies makes Switzerland the 8th largest investor. Our friendship continues to expand: new Swiss representations in Osaka, Kyushu and soon Hokkaido, in addition to lively cultural and people-to-people exchanges, are proof of this dynamism. On the road to Expo 2025, our public diplomacy program Vitality.Swiss highlights the diversity and breadth of our relations with an emphasis on sustainability, health and innovation. Happy anniversary! |
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November 2023 | November 2023 |
Gastkommentar von Aussenministerin KAMIKAWA Yoko in der Neuen Zürcher Zeitung vom 13. Dezember 2023
Kirschblüte und Edelweiss: Japan und die Schweiz verbindet eine lange, freundschaftliche BeziehungLogo for the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland

The year 2024 will mark the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland. To celebrate this anniversary, various exchange projects will be organised in both countries. As part of the preparations for this year of friendship, a public competition was held to select the official anniversary logo to be used at events celebrating the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland.
The members of the selection panel were Ambassador of Japan to Switzerland Mr Yoshinori FUJIYAMA, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan Dr Andreas BAUM, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. Selected out of 224 entries, the winning design was created by Mr Anthony CHERBUIN, who lives in Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. The logo combines national flags of both countries, and the images of a cherry blossom and edelweiss which represent the cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Cherbuin explains, “the Japanese cherry blossom and the Swiss edelweiss both share values of perseverance, beauty, and love. These flowers reflect the resilience of both nations and the importance of every moment of friendship. Together, Japan and Switzerland overcome challenges and see their collaboration blossom like these emblematic flowers”.
The logo will be used in all activities associated with the anniversary throughout 2024. Officially recognised events commemorating the “160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland” will be entitled to use the official title “Commemorative event of the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland” with the logo.
The logo is available in colour and black-and-white. Please see here for the information on event endorsement procedure.
Endorsement of events
Applications are no longer being accepted.
The 160th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Switzerland
- Overview
- Calendar of commemorative events of the 160th anniversary
- Messages from the Ambassadors
- Logo for the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland
- Endorsement of events
- Pamphlet for the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland