Press release
21.08.2024

Embassy of Switzerland in Japan

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Swiss Vitality Days
A series of events celebrating 160 years of
Swiss-Japanese relations across Japan
this fall.
Switzerland and Japan are celebrating 160 yearsof diplomatic relations this year. In September andOctober, join the conversation on how our two countries
can design more sustainable, prosperous and vitalizedsocieties during Swiss Vitality Days, a series of eventsand initiatives held across Japan.

Edelweiss by ©Charles Negre and ©Studio Végété,
Sakura by ©Jeremy Ayer and ©Studio Végété

As part of the 160th anniversary celebrations, the Swiss Vitality Days
2024 will engage multiple Swiss and Japanese stakeholders. This
special platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange will take placefrom September to October 2024 in both Tokyo and Osaka. The initiative
aims to explore the concept of Vitality from various angles, including
research, academia, business, governance, economy, ﬁnance, culture,and the arts.
During the Swiss Vitality Days 2024, experts, entrepreneurs,
researchers, investors, industry leaders, government representatives,and cultural practitioners from both countries will come together,
fostering new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
They will discuss energy breakthroughs, emerging trends in life
sciences, biodiversity, healthy ageing, durable food systems and more.
The goal is to accelerate co-creation and cross-pollination, fostering
more vital and sustainable societies.
The event lineup features Swiss-Japan Energy Days, a special edition of
the Switzerland-Japan Economic Forum, an art x sustainability initiativein the Nara forest, a pavilion at BioJapan showcasing cutting-edge
startups, a scientiﬁc panel on longevity, an art project across Tokyo andthe museum Photo Elysée in Lausanne, an amateur photo competition
open to the public, and the Swiss Cinema Days, among others.

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Embassy of Switzerland in Japan

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For the latest updates and detailed information on these events, please
visit our dedicated web pages. We look forward to welcoming you to the
Swiss Vitality Days!
Swiss Vitality Days Overview
Dates: September to October, 2024
Venue: Various locations across Japan
Organizers: Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, Consulate of Switzerland
in Osaka / Swissnex in Japan, Science and Technology Ofﬁce Tokyo,
Swiss Business Hub Japan, Switzerland Tourism Japan, and Presence
Switzerland.
Sponsored by:
The Adecco GroupThe Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent company. Our purpose ismaking the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units- Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable
and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineeringsolutions to power the Smart Industry transformation and empowerorganisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by
example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable
employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities.

Bühler K.K., Straumann Japan K.K., Swiss International Air Lines
Création Baumann Japan Ltd., MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
SA, Novartis Pharma K.K., Roche Diagnostics K.K., Sonova Japan Co.,
Ltd., Zurich Insurance Company Ltd / Zurich Life Insurance Japan
Company Ltd.
Details:
Swiss Vitality Days Special Web Page: https://vitality.swiss/en
Special web page on the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between Switzerland and Japan: https://vitality.swiss/en/160
Stay tuned for more information about the Swiss Pavilion!

Swiss Vitality Days Program: Events
Online Amateur Photo Contest “Vitality Through Your Eyes”
August 22-October 24, 2024
application deadline: September 22, online, open to all

The “Vitality Through Your Eyes” amateur photo contest invites
photography enthusiasts to showcase their unique interpretationsof vitality, with the aim of fostering dialogue and co-creation while
deepening cultural ties between Switzerland and Japan. Participants
are encouraged to creatively capture what vitality means for them. The
selected works, chosen by a jury consisting of the Swiss Ambassador
and photographers, will be exhibited for two weeks at SHIBAURA
HOUSE, with an award ceremony to be held on October 11.
Exhibition Date & Venue: October 9-24, 2024, SHIBAURA HOUSE, Tokyo
Organizers: Embassy of Switzerland in Japan and SHIBAURA HOUSE
More information here

Embassy of Switzerland in Japan

Press release
21.08.2024

Swiss-Japan Energy Days 2024

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September 10-11, 2024

Switzerland and Japan face signiﬁcant energy and climate challenges.
With the anticipated rise in electricity consumption due to electriﬁcationand the dependence on energy imports, both nations must strategicallyrealign toward decarbonization to achieve the 2050 net-zero emissions
target. The Swiss-Japan Energy Days, held concurrently at ETH Zurich
and Swissnex in Japan, will convene leading academics, startups,
industry leaders, and policymakers to explore innovative energy
solutions.
Venues & Organizers: Consulate of Switzerland in Japan / Swissnex
in Japan and the Energy Science Center of Swiss Federal Institute ofTechnology Zurich (ETH Zurich)More information here

‘Super Natural!’ exhibition

Image by Rumi Ando

September 11-October 9, 2024

Pristine, precise and prosperous; attractive, safe and reliable – Switzerland
and Japan have much in common in the collective imagination.
“Super Natural!” explores this mutual fascination through the eyes ofphotographers of both countries, focusing on sustainability and health.
The exhibition explores the cultural seeds, underlying myths and narrative
dynamics that foster this remarkable image. Most importantly, it asks
how we can reclaim these myths to better address today’s challenges.
By looking into one another’s mirror, both countries may be able to better
understand themselves by questioning the image they transmit.
Participating artists: Rumi Ando, Esther Vonplon, Keita Kojima, Taisuke
Koyama, Delphine Bertin, and Maxime Guyon.
Opening Talk & Reception : Friday, September 13, 18:00
Venue: YAU CENTER｜Yurakucho Art Urbanism YAU, Tokyo
Organizers: Photo Elysée, TOKYO PHOTOGRAPHIC RESEARCH and theEmbassy of Switzerland in Japan
More information here

Innovative Aging: Economic Vitality in an Aging Society
September 16, 2024
On September 16, for Respect for the Aged Day, join a special roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Hans Groth, Chairman of the World
Demographic & Ageing Forum (WDA Forum) and former Pﬁzer executive;
Dr. Thomas Zeltner, CEO ad interim of the WHO Foundation and former
Swiss Public Health Minister; and Prof. Charles Yuji Horioka from Kobe
University. The panel will address strategies for sustaining economic
vitality amid demographic shifts, with a focus on innovative policies,
lifelong education, and workforce adaptation. This event presents a
unique opportunity to gain insights from leading experts and engage ina critical conversation about the future of our society.
Venue & Organizer: Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka / Swissnex inJapan
More information here

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Embassy of Switzerland in Japan

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Healthy Longevity: Lessons from Japan and Switzerland
September 17, 2024
Japan and Switzerland are both faced with the challenges of becoming
aging societies. What does that mean for the future of healthcare,wellness, and communities?
This event will unite experts, researchers, and various stakeholders fromJapan and Switzerland to delve into the secrets and challenges of healthy
longevity by examining how both cultures approach health, wellness, andaging, uncovering similarities and unique strategies. Through captivatingpresentations and an engaging panel discussion, the speakers will seek
to answer three key questions: What do we know? What does it mean?
What can be done?
Organizer: Science and Technology Ofﬁce Tokyo
More information here

Travel Switzerland in the “Swisstainable” way September 24, 2024
Switzerland Tourism Japan, together with Swiss Travel System and
RailEurope will showcase the best way to discover Switzerland as wellas the most sustainable way, by train bus and boat, to contacts within
the tourism industry. Examples of Sustainability practices will be shownwith a strong focus on the Swisstainable movement of Switzerland
Tourism.
Organizer: Switzerland Tourism Japan

Switzerland-Japan Economic Forum 2024

October 9, 2024

The Switzerland-Japan Economic Forum 2024 seeks to enhanceawareness and understanding of biodiversity loss, its impact and theurgent need for action to regenerate nature and increase resilience. It
brings together business, academic and government leaders from
Switzerland and Japan to discuss how we can drive the unavoidable
transformation to a nature-positive economy. The Forum aims to
showcase recent initiatives, inspire the research of innovative solutions
and stimulate action.
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hall B, Tokyo
Organizers: Embassy of Switzerland in Japan and the Swiss Chamberof Commerce and Industry in Japan, with support by Keidanren (Japan
Business Federation).
More information here

SWISS PAVILION @ BIOJAPAN 2024 October 9-11, 2024
Discover Switzerland’s groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology
and life sciences at the Swiss Pavilion during BioJapan 2024. Thispavilion will highlight Switzerland’s leadership in biotechnology and life
sciences, giving visitors the opportunity to engage with a diverse arrayof Swiss companies pioneering advancements in biotechnology andpharmaceuticals.
This is a unique platform to explore innovative technologies, discuss
potential collaborations, experience Switzerland’s dedication to quality
and precision in the life sciences ﬁeld, and to connect with a global
network to witness the future of healthcare and biotechnology.

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Venue: Paciﬁco Yokohama, Kanagawa
Organizers: Swiss Business Hub Japan & Switzerland Global EnterpriseMore information here

Swing Kids Japan Tour 2024

October 10, 2024

The Swing Kids, Switzerland’s acclaimed children’s jazz band, will takethe stage at Ebara Cultural Center on October 10. Aged 9 to 17, theseyoung musicians have charmed audiences across Europe and Japan
under the guidance of Dai Kimoto, a Japanese trumpeter based in
Switzerland. They have a long-lasting heartfelt connection to Japan,
having supported communities affected by the Great East Japan
Earthquake, and are back for what promises to be a memorable musicalexperience.
Venue: Ebara Cultural Center, Tokyo
More information here

Credit: Chardronnet and Minder

Swiss Cinema Days - Documentary Screening “Umi No Oya - 海の親”October 11, 2024
Swiss artist and chef Maya Minder with author and curator Ewen
Chardronnet investigate in their work the potential of algae in theecological transition. In this documentary essay, they explore the legacy
of British algologist Kathleen Drew-Baker, whose crucial scientiﬁcdiscovery in 1949 about the life cycles of red algae contributed to the riseof nori aquaculture in post-war Japan. The ﬁlm pays tribute to Drew as
Umi No Oya (海の親) - the mother of the sea - and looks for inspiration in
the resilience she instilled in post-war Kyushu to face the new challenges
of climate change. On October 11, a preview screening of the ﬁlm will beheld at Shibaura House where the ﬁlm was partly shot.
Venue: SHIBAURA HOUSE, Tokyo
Organizers: SHIBAURA HOUSE and the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
More information here

Giving a voice to ecosystems Markus Mader @ YOSHINO 20 ART
FESTIVAL October 12-November 4, 2024
In 2023, artist and researcher Marcus Maeder (PhD ETH Zurich) installed
IoT sensors on trees in the forest of Nara prefecture to measure growth,
drought stress and other environmental factors. He uses the collected
data to build artistic experiences that shed light on climate change ina surprising, informed and accessible way. For this new stage of the
project, Marcus Maeder will produce a new art-science intervention in a
century-old temple in Yoshino, and give conferences and performancesin Tokyo to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on
ecosystems.
Venue: Mount Yoshino, Yoshino, Nara
Organizers: Yoshino Town, Yoshino Visitors Bureau, Yoshino-OmineWorld Heritage 20th Anniversary Commemorative Project Council
More information here

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Embassy of Switzerland in Japan

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Kizuna “Open your eyes” October 13 and 14
A collaborative art project continuing from 2021, Kizuna forgesconnections between Okinawa and Neuchâtel, featuring artists,musicians, and dancers deeply inspired by Okinawan nature andculture. In this immersive experience, the audience can engage with theperformance, through the creation of a banyan tree drawing, symbolizing
connection. The project includes Melinda Stampﬂi (choreography anddirection), Cédric Brégnard (scenic design), Laurence Crevoisier (music),
Yuji Noguchi (stage direction), and Laurent Novac (videomapping).
Performers include Okinawan dancer Tomoko Kin, Ballet Art Tang, NagoBoys and Girls Chorus, and traditional artists Soukei Mijitaya and LUCK.
Venue: Garaman Hall in Ginoza (Okinawa)
Organizer: Kizuna Co-creation Team
9th nexCafé: Playing at Being Human October 16, 2024
Between AI, animal, and Plant Life: an Artistic and Philosophical
Experiment. At the upcoming nexCafé event, Swissnex in Japan will
present “Playing at Being Human,” a philosophical-artistic experimentthat examines the crisis of anthropocentrism by reimagining therelationship between humans and non-humans, both living andtechnical. This project challenges conventional perspectives by shifting
the focus of human identity towards AI, animal, and plant life. The event
will feature two video artworks and a panel discussion with directors
Frank Westermeyer, artist and associate professor at HEAD–Geneva,
and David Zerbib, lecturer in Philosophy of Art at HEAD–Geneva. This
event offers a unique opportunity to engage with innovative ideas at thecrossroads of philosophy, art, and technology.
Venue & Organizer: Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka / Swissnex in Japan
More information here

Photo by Romain Guélat

Documentary Screening “Johan, Trial by Fire” End of October, 2024
Originally from the city of Monthey in Valais, Johan Leutwiler devoted half
his life to his goal of becoming a Japanese sword smith. Swiss director
Romain Guelat depicts his journey as the ﬁrst foreigner to be ofﬁciallyrecognized a Japanese swordsmith. Don’t miss this world premiere.
Venue: Tokyo (TBA)
Organizer: Short Shorts Executive Committee
More information here (details to be released on Sept. 26)

Vitality.Swiss program
Vitality.Swiss - Born in business, rooted in a pioneering spirit and driven byshared values, our bilateral relations shape the future: Japan and Switzerlandjoin forces to address global challenges such as climate change, aging
society and the shift towards digitalization and AI.
All year long, the Vitality.Swiss program celebrates 160 years of friendshipby highlighting landmark episodes of our bilateral history and fosteringcommon prosperity on the road to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Vitality.Swiss
explores solutions and scenarios for a vitalized future along three themes:
health, sustainability and innovation. Since its launch, the program continues
to resonate.

Press release
21.08.2024

Embassy of Switzerland in Japan

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Vitality.Swiss is an initiative of the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
together with the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka, Swissnex in Japan,
the Swiss Business Hub Japan, the Science & Technology Ofﬁce Tokyo,
Switzerland Tourism Japan, and Presence Switzerland. Vitality.Swiss isofﬁcially registered as a Team Expo co-creation partner.
Website: https://vitality.swiss
Stay tuned for more information about the Swiss Pavilion!

The 3 themes of Vitality.Swiss
Healthy Life
Switzerland is a source of excellent governance, healthy lifestyles, forward
looking nutrition and medical excellence.
Sustainable planet
Switzerland is a source of sustainable prosperity, carbon-zero solutions,expertise in green ﬁnance and intelligent regional revitalization
Human-centered innovation
Switzerland is a world leader in innovation that ensures healthy waysof living and a more sustainable future through pioneering research andentrepreneurship.
Vitality.Swiss trailer https://youtu.be/PqhF5HVNDa8

Création Baumann Japan Ltd., MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA, Novartis
Pharma K.K., Roche Diagnostics K.K., Sonova Japan Co., Ltd., Zurich Insurance
Company Ltd / Zurich Life Insurance Japan Company Ltd.
Press documents
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Inquiries

Yuko Takahashi
Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo
03-5449-8437
yuko.takahashi@eda.admin.ch

Vitality.Swiss [vitality dot swiss] is a public communication program on the road to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, launched by the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan in cooperation with Swiss institutions andJapanese partners. The program explores solutions and scenarios for a prosperous future through three themes: healthy living, sustainability, and innovation.