Travelers to Switzerland

20.10.2021 — Local news Japan
Information for travelers to Switzerland

Swiss residents in Japan

11.10.2021 — Local news Japan
Please make sure to follow the instruction of the local Japanese authorities carefully, as they are competent in regards to health and public safety.

Swiss beef products to be back in Japan after years of pause

07.10.2021 — Local news Japan
Effective 30 September, Japan agreed to once again allow Swiss beef products to enter the country. This enables the return of dried meat, including "Bündnerfleisch".

Opening of the exhibition “Humanitarian Principles. Here and Now” on October 2 in Ebisu area of Tokyo

06.10.2021 — Local news Japan
“Humanitarian Principles. Here and Now” is a contemporary art exhibition produced by the Musée de l’Elysée in Lausanne and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, in conversation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. 

COVID-19: safety measures

01.10.2021 — Local news Japan
The State of Emergency has been lifted in all prefectures prefectures. However, all prefectures in Japan have implemented measures to address the COVID-19 situation. Please inform yourself about these specific measures and make sure to follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Participants to the Support Our Kids program meet with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and IOC President Thomas Bach in Tokyo

24.07.2021 — Local news Japan
Two Japanese students who participated to a homestay program in Switzerland were invited to interact with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and IOC President Thomas Bach.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin meets Japanese Prime Minister Suga

24.07.2021 — Local news Japan
On Saturday, 24 July, following the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Swiss president Guy Parmelin met Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga.

Switzerland and Japan sign protocol of amendment to double taxation agreement

20.07.2021 — Local news Japan
On 16 July 2021 in Bern, Switzerland and Japan signed a protocol amending the double taxation agreement (DTA) on income tax. This protocol implements the minimum standards for double taxation agreements.  

National Day 2021

06.07.2021 — Local news Japan
Switzerland celebrates its National Day on 1 August.

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener visits Japan

28.05.2021 — Local news Japan
In Tokyo, UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener, a former Ambassador of Switzerland to Germany and Thailand, exchanged views on Myanmar with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and other Japanese officials.

Swiss tech company and Japanese maritime consortium join forces to promote hydrogen-based zero-emission shuttle

21.05.2021 — Local news Japan
The agreement between Almatech and e5 Lab took place simultaneously in Tokyo and Lausanne on May 19. 

State Secretary Martina Hirayama emphasizes the importance of research at the 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial

20.05.2021 — Local news Japan
State Secretary Martina Hirayama virtually attended the third Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3) held in Tokyo on May 8-9, 2021. At ASM3, science ministers and representatives of Arctic indigenous peoples' organizations came together to strengthen international cooperation in science and research to advance understanding of the Arctic region, and to support the role of science in policy and decision-making in the Arctic. In her speech, State Secretary Hirayama emphasized the importance of research in response to the challenges of climate change in the vulnerable Polar regions and the urgent need for international cooperation in this area.

President Ueli Maurer meets Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and represents Switzerland at G20 meeting of finance ministers

10.06.2019 — Press release Japan
President Ueli Maurer was received by Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on 10 June 2019. The discussion was dedicated to the long-standing, excellent relations between Switzerland and Japan. In addition to regional topics, the central challenges for the global financial and economic system, which President Maurer addressed at the weekend meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Fukuoka, were also discussed.

Swiss Days @ The Imperial: Switzerland – Japan Economic Forum

16.02.2018 — Press release Japan
A common initiative of the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan and IMD, “Switzerland - Japan Economic Forum” will be held as a part of “Swiss Days @ The Imperial”.

Human Rights Day 2017

10.12.2017 — Press release Japan
In exactly one year from today, on 10 December 2018, Switzerland together with the international community will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which 70 years after its adoption, remains of unequivocal relevance. Human rights are a necessity for our societies, an invaluable ingredient to boost peace and stability and to foster sustainable development. Human rights are at the heart of the values represented by Switzerland and its political model, which is founded on the principles of democracy, non-discrimination, gender equality, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among people having different religious, linguistic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Switzerland calls upon its partners to join it in making this Human Rights Day 2017 a day of unequivocal relevance for the promotion and the protection of human rights.

The FDFA reaffirms its commitment to a world without capital punishment

10.10.2017 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is committed to maintain a leading role in the worldwide movement to abolish capital punishment. On this year's World Day against the Death Penalty the FDFA has presented its new action plan, which sets out Switzerland's foreign policy activities towards universal abolition of the death penalty for the period until 2019.

Minamata Convention sets up office in Geneva

30.09.2017 — Press release Japan

Bern, 30.09.2017 - On 30 September 2017, the approximately 150 States meeting in Geneva for the first Conference of the Parties (COP1) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury decided to base the Convention in Geneva. “The arrival of the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention will be a boost for Geneva as center of the international environment governance,” said Marc Chardonnens, President of the COP and Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, welcoming the decision.

OSCE Asian Conference: Counterterrorism, cyberspace and disaster prevention are possible areas for strengthened cooperation says Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter

01.06.2015 — Press release EDA
Cooperation in counterterrorism, disaster preparedness and cyberspace can strengthen mutual trust in Asia, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter said at the opening of the Asian Conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Seoul. The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) said that on the basis of its experience and the instruments at its disposal, the OSCE can be a bridge for dialogue on security with Asia. Switzerland currently holds the Chairmanship of the OSCE Asian Contact Group.

Switzerland welcomes the conclusion of the new disaster risk reduction framework

18.03.2015 — Press release EDA
Following days of negotiations, the delegations at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDRR) in Sendai, Japan, have adopted a new international framework, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), which sets out the priorities for disaster risk reduction for the next 15 years. Manuel Bessler, the delegate of the Federal Council for Swiss Humanitarian Aid and head of the Swiss delegation in Sendai, welcomed the new framework, which will give new impetus to the world in the field of disaster prevention.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter discusses aspects of cooperative security in Asia with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida

14.03.2015 — Press release EDA
At a bilateral meeting on the margins of the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter discussed aspects of cooperative security with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. One of the topics they addressed was the further development of cooperation between the OSCE and its Asian partner countries.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stresses importance of disaster risk reduction for safeguarding sustainable development

14.03.2015 — Press release EDA
More and more people are threatened by disasters. To reduce the risk, precautionary measures must be taken early on. This message was underlined by Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Didier Burkhalter in his speech at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Japanese city of Sendai.

Disaster Risk Reduction: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to take part in UN World Conference in Sendai

09.03.2015 — Press release EDA
The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) will take place from 14 to 18 March in Sendai, Japan. Didier Burkhalter will lead the Swiss delegation during the ministerial segment of the conference, representing Switzerland's position. Following this, the Swiss delegation, including representatives of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), will continue negotiations on a new Framework for Action. On March 15 Federal Councillor Burkhalter will travel to Indonesia and subsequently to Sri Lanka for political discussions.

President of the Swiss Confederation receives Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan

19.06.2014 — Press release EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter received Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan in Neuchâtel on Thursday, June 19. The official visit by the Crown Prince to Switzerland forms part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan.

President of the Swiss Confederation in Tokyo to celebrate 150th anniversary of friendly and fruitful relations between Switzerland and Japan

03.02.2014 — Press release EDA
The friendship between Switzerland and Japan formed the focal point of the meeting between President Didier Burkhalter, accompanied by his wife, and Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on the first day of his visit to the country. The visit signals the start of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the island nation. Relations between the two countries are friendly and fruitful. Japan is Switzerland's second largest economic partner in Asia.

Travelers to Switzerland

20.10.2021 — Local news Japan
Information for travelers to Switzerland

Swiss residents in Japan

11.10.2021 — Local news Japan
Please make sure to follow the instruction of the local Japanese authorities carefully, as they are competent in regards to health and public safety.

Swiss beef products to be back in Japan after years of pause

07.10.2021 — Local news Japan
Effective 30 September, Japan agreed to once again allow Swiss beef products to enter the country. This enables the return of dried meat, including "Bündnerfleisch".

Opening of the exhibition “Humanitarian Principles. Here and Now” on October 2 in Ebisu area of Tokyo

06.10.2021 — Local news Japan
“Humanitarian Principles. Here and Now” is a contemporary art exhibition produced by the Musée de l’Elysée in Lausanne and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, in conversation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. 

COVID-19: safety measures

01.10.2021 — Local news Japan
The State of Emergency has been lifted in all prefectures prefectures. However, all prefectures in Japan have implemented measures to address the COVID-19 situation. Please inform yourself about these specific measures and make sure to follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Participants to the Support Our Kids program meet with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and IOC President Thomas Bach in Tokyo

24.07.2021 — Local news Japan
Two Japanese students who participated to a homestay program in Switzerland were invited to interact with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and IOC President Thomas Bach.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin meets Japanese Prime Minister Suga

24.07.2021 — Local news Japan
On Saturday, 24 July, following the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Swiss president Guy Parmelin met Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga.

Switzerland and Japan sign protocol of amendment to double taxation agreement

20.07.2021 — Local news Japan
On 16 July 2021 in Bern, Switzerland and Japan signed a protocol amending the double taxation agreement (DTA) on income tax. This protocol implements the minimum standards for double taxation agreements.  

National Day 2021

06.07.2021 — Local news Japan
Switzerland celebrates its National Day on 1 August.

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener visits Japan

28.05.2021 — Local news Japan
In Tokyo, UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener, a former Ambassador of Switzerland to Germany and Thailand, exchanged views on Myanmar with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and other Japanese officials.

Swiss tech company and Japanese maritime consortium join forces to promote hydrogen-based zero-emission shuttle

21.05.2021 — Local news Japan
The agreement between Almatech and e5 Lab took place simultaneously in Tokyo and Lausanne on May 19. 

State Secretary Martina Hirayama emphasizes the importance of research at the 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial

20.05.2021 — Local news Japan
State Secretary Martina Hirayama virtually attended the third Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3) held in Tokyo on May 8-9, 2021. At ASM3, science ministers and representatives of Arctic indigenous peoples' organizations came together to strengthen international cooperation in science and research to advance understanding of the Arctic region, and to support the role of science in policy and decision-making in the Arctic. In her speech, State Secretary Hirayama emphasized the importance of research in response to the challenges of climate change in the vulnerable Polar regions and the urgent need for international cooperation in this area.