Order of the Rising Sun: Swiss Honourees at SJCC 40th AGM

Moments like these capture the essence of Swiss-Japanese friendship.

At the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Chamber in Zurich on May 19, 2025, all four recipients of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon came together in a truly rare gathering.

This decoration is one of the highest honours Japan grants to foreign nationals for contributions to bilateral relations. It was the first time the distinguished honourees appeared together on this special occasion (in chronological order of awarding):

George Henry Müller, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Zurich (awarded 2009).

Walter Frey, President and Chairman of Emil Frey Group (awarded 2013).

Martin Herb, President of the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce SJCC (awarded 2024).

Prof. Dr. Christian Schwarzenegger, Vice President of the University of Zurich, and SJCC Board Member (awarded 2025).

H.E. Ambassador Yoshinori Fujiyama, who had presented the orders on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan to several of the recipients, joined them to mark this unique moment.

Each of the honourees has made outstanding contributions to fostering exchange between Japan and Switzerland – whether in academia, business, diplomacy or society. Their dedication continues to strengthen the ties between the two countries.