Japan

Swissnex in Japan Opens its Doors in Osaka!

A major milestone for Swissnex

On September 30, 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 the strengths of Switzerland and the strong potential of Japan 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.

This is the first Consulate in Japan with a primary focus on science. As part of the Swissnex global network, it connects Switzerland, Japan, and the world in education, research, and innovation. Its mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of its partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas, and talent. The six central Swissnex locations are strategically established in the world’s most innovative regions: San Francisco, Boston and New York in the United States, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Shanghai in China, Bengaluru in India, and Osaka in Japan. Together with around 20 Science Offices and Counselors based in Swiss Embassies, the Swissnex network significantly strengthens Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot.

As the first science consulate in Japan and 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.

Messages

    "Our presence in Osaka will be an important step to further strengthen Switzerland’s already excellent bilateral research cooperation with Japan. The new Swissnex location will help to further promote projects between universities, research institutions, and startups. We aim to have a tangible impact and contribute to the well-being of both countries by thinking ahead and finding innovative solutions for pressing challenges of tomorrow."

    Dr. Martina Hirayama State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation

    "Congratulations to the Consulate of Switzerland and Swissnex on this grand opening. I am truly honored and delighted to see this new location open. Switzerland is very advanced both as an international financial center and in terms of innovation and technology. Osaka hopes to cooperate strongly with Switzerland as we enter this new era. This opening is an opportunity to further deepen the cooperation between Japan and Switzerland in the lead-up to Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, and in the years to come."

    Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama Osaka City

Highlights

  • Swissnex in Japan

    In Front of the Consulate Emblem

    From left to right: Dr. Felix Moesner, Swiss Consul & CEO, Dr. Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, Dr. Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama, City of Osaka, Vice Governor Nobuhiko Yamaguchi, Osaka Prefectural Government.

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    Kagami-biraki

    Sake barrel ceremony, "Kagami biraki".

  • Swissnex in Japan

    Panel discussion

    From left to right: Dr. Tanja Zimmermann, Director of Empa, Dr. Yuko Harayama, former Executive Member of CSTI, Cabinet Office, Mr. Christoph Beuttler, Climeworks.

  • Swissnex in Japan

    Live Demonstration

    ANYmal, an autonomous-legged robot by ANYbotics.

  • Screenshot

    Grand Opening ceremony