Successful SJCC 40th Anniversary Gala at Baur au Lac Zurich

SJCC 40th Anniversary Gala: the Chamber celebrated four decades of building bridges between Switzerland and Japan at the elegant Baur au Lac in Zurich on 13 October 2025.

SJCC President Martin Herb reflected on the Chamber’s founding in 1985 in response to the growing trade volume between the two countries. He emphasized the enduring partnership, grounded in shared democratic values, free trade, and multilateral cooperation. In addition, he highlighted the Chamber’s role as a platform for economic exchange, investment promotion, and cultural understanding between Switzerland and Japan. SJCC President Martin Herb also mentioned the strong initiatives that were launched by the SJCC.

Minister Takehiro OKUBO, currently Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Japan in Switzerland, delivered an insightful address in which he recognised the SJCC as “a crucial economic bridge between our two countries”. He praised the Chamber’s decades-long contribution to advancing Japan–Switzerland relations.

State Secretary Helene Artieda Budliger from SECO delivered a strong keynote on the theme “Switzerland and Japan: United in Trade, Inspired by Innovation.” She focused on the long-standing partnership between Switzerland and Japan as well as on the meaningful role of the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce over the past 40 years. She also highlighted the economic opportunities emerging between the two countries and concluded: “Together, we are not only united in trade – we are united in our belief that innovation is the key to resilience, prosperity, and future success.”

Among the 90 guests, the SJCC also welcomed Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter, National Councillor and President of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Switzerland-Japan, Thierry Burkart, Member of the Council of States and Vice-President of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Switzerland-Japan, Markus Leitner, EDA, Ambassador Head Asia and Pacific Division, and Natalie Rast, SECO, Head of Bilateral Economic Relations Asia / Oceania.

Guests enjoyed a festive dinner, under the moderation of Judith Vitale (UZH), captivating musical performances by Andreas Janke (1st Concertmaster, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich) and Mio Yamamoto (2nd Violin, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich), as well as a live calligraphy demonstration by Chikako Fukami Thomsen.

The SJCC looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering connections and building bilateral economic relations between Switzerland and Japan.