First Science Consulate opens its doors in Japan

On 30 September 2023, the Consulate of Switzerland, Swissnex in Japan opened its doors as the first Science Consulate in Japan, in the presence of Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research, and Innovation, a high-level academic delegation, and an impressive local audience. The opening showcased breakthrough innovations in sustainability and highlighted the close link to the Swiss Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

This new Consulate will increase Switzerland’s foothold in Japan in science, research, and innovation, reflecting Switzerland’s strengths and Japan’s strong potential in those critical fields. Two Swiss Presidents have shown their support for the new Consulate during past visits to Japan. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin announced the establishment of the consulate in August 2021 in Tokyo, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis officiated its groundbreaking ceremony in April 2022 in Osaka. The new Consulate is the first science consulate in Japan and part of Swissnex, the Swiss global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation.

As the 6th main location of the global Swissnex, we will help to further promote collaborations between universities, research institutions, and startups of both nations and strengthen Switzerland’s excellent bilateral research cooperation with Japan. Swissnex in Japan is notably going to foster collaboration on a systemic level in areas of strategic importance such as quantum science, AI, or robotics.

Find out more in the press release.