Message from the President
Dear Members, dear Friends of the Swiss Club Tokyo,
What brings you here?
If you are reading these words, you were most probably looking for a Swiss connection in Japan.
Look no further – the Swiss Club Tokyo has been around for nearly 50 years, providing Swiss citizens and friends of Switzerland with opportunities to connect and intermingle. This still holds true today, even though circumstances have changed quite a bit.
Back in the day, many Swiss Club members were Swiss expats, who typically stayed in Japan for 3 to 4 years before moving on. Nowadays, however, the majority of our community consists of long-term residents, many of whom are married to a Japanese partner and have children of mixed heritage.
Not too long ago, newcomers relied mostly on guide books and the experience of “old Japan hands” when it came to information on living in Japan. But these days, in the age of information, most answers to your questions lay right at your fingertips.
Nevertheless, personal advice and first hand accounts are still very much appreciated and valued by new arrivals; and our monthly “Stammtisch” gathering creates the perfect environment for such encounters. People from all walks of life get together in a relaxed atmosphere to merrily interact over a slice of pizza and a glass of wine.
The “Stammtisch” is also an ideal point of entry, if you are interested in the Swiss Club Tokyo, but would like to learn a little more about us first hand.
Further activities and events offered by the Swiss Club include – amongst others – nature walks and a family picnic, as well as some parties, such as the National Day Celebration and a Year End Party.
Sounds interesting? Please don’t hesitate and get in touch with us!
Also, if you would like to become even more involved and do something for the Swiss Community in Japan, please step forward and let us know – we are constantly on the lookout for people who can bring a fresh breeze and new ideas to Committee of the Swiss Club Tokyo!
Sincerely,
Peter Woehrle
President Swiss Club Tokyo
History
The history of the Swiss Club Tokyo began in 1974, when some Swiss embassy staff members first invited the local Swiss community to a garden party at the old embassy. The idea was to bring Swiss people together, establish contacts with newcomers, make friends, and exchange experiences. The party turned out to be a great success and the plan to establish a Swiss club in Tokyo was made.
Over the decades, the Swiss Club Tokyo has flourished and we currently count over 200 members between the ages of 1 to 85.
The purpose of our club is to provide a network for the Swiss residents in the greater Tokyo area and to promote and foster Swiss traditions and culture.
We realize this by organizing a variety of events throughout the year, striving to offer a diverse range of activities that suit the interests of members of all walks of live.
Whether you would like for your kids to experience a bit of Swiss culture or care about networking with like-minded people, this is the club for you.
