Japan and Switzerland have a strong 160-year partnership built on innovation, cultural exchange and mutual respect. They collaborate in trade, technology and sustainability. In this interview, Ambassador Yoshinori Fujiyama discusses recent milestones, future collaboration opportunities and the deepening cultural ties between the nations.
Bridges: What key trends and opportunities do you see in the Swiss-Japanese economic relationship?
Fujiyama: 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 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 countries by the establishment of the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka.
Furthermore, the 2025 World Expo in Osaka will be held 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 countries in the government and private sectors will lead to positive developments, including economic collaborations.
How have cultural ties strengthened and what initiatives are being undertaken to deepen them?
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 in 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 countries.
For the full interview, please visit: sms-bridges.com/CH24-amb
