Swiss Club Tokyo Newsletter – A Word from the President

Dear Friends of Switzerland,

Can you believe we’re already in the second month of 2025? Time flies, and before we get too far into the year, I wanted to share some important updates about our club.

A Change in Leadership

After nearly five wonderful years as President of the Swiss Club Tokyo, I’ve decided that the time has come to pass the torch. With my 70th birthday approaching in June, I feel it’s the perfect moment to step aside and make room for fresh energy and new ideas.

I’m pleased to announce that Massimo Biondi has stepped forward as a candidate to take on the role of President. Many of you already know him, especially if you’ve attended our Stammtisch gatherings. Even without an official board position, he has actively contributed to our club life with initiatives like the Urban Walk Experience and the Stammtisch Südkurve, a gathering for our Kanagawa-based members. The final decision on the next President will be made at our Annual General Meeting in mid-June, where the election will take place.

In the meantime, I’ll let Massimo introduce himself:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Grüezi, I’m Massimo Biondi. Many of you may know me from Swiss Club Tokyo events over the years. For those I haven’t met yet—here’s a quick introduction!

As my greeting suggests, I’m from the German-speaking part of Switzerland—Zürich, to be precise. I grew up in the heart of the city, surrounded by banks (some of which no longer exist) and a beloved confectionery shop. Before settling in Tokyo, I also spent time living in Amsterdam and New York, though Zürich remains home, where I regularly visit family and friends.

My career began as a programmer (now called a software engineer), and while job titles have changed, my passion for technology remains. When I’m not buried in code, I love exploring Tokyo on foot, diving into its history, architecture, and design. And if you glance at my wrist, you might notice another passion—one that runs in my family.

There’s more to my story, and I’d love to share—just ask!

Motivation
The Swiss Club Tokyo has become an important link to my roots. When Peter announced his departure as president, I felt it was important to continue the great work he and his predecessors have done.


So, I’m stepping forward to offer my time and dedication as the next president. My goal is to strengthen the club as a vibrant community, welcoming all members.
I genuinely care about this community and want to help it grow. With your support, I hope to build on our strong foundation and make the Swiss Club Tokyo a lively and engaging home for all.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What’s Coming Up in 2025?

We’ve got an exciting lineup of events to look forward to:

🌸 Cherry Blossom Get-Together – Early April (still tentative, but fingers crossed!)
🌳 Family Picnic – May
📜 Annual General Meeting – Mid-June
🇨🇭 Swiss National Day Celebration – Sunday, July 27 at YCAC Yokohama
🎉 Year-End Party – November (exact date to be confirmed)
🎅 Outdoor Christmas Party with Samichlaus – First weekend of December at the Swiss Residence

And of course, our monthly Stammtisch will continue on the last Monday of each month at the usual location, with the occasional Stammtisch Südkurve in Yokohama.

I might also bring back some hiking outings around Kamakura, so stay tuned for more details!

A Historic First: Online Voting for the Council of the Swiss Abroad

Last but not least, I’d like to draw your attention to the upcoming election of a new delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad. For the first time, Swiss citizens living in Japan will be able to vote for their delegate online—a project initiated by the Organization of the Swiss Abroad.

Please keep an eye out for further details, including candidate introductions and voting procedures. We will keep you informed through the Embassy of Switzerland (to reach all Swiss registered in Japan), as well as via our newsletter and this website.

Discover Yakushima with Sigrid Houberdon: Our Swiss Connection to Japan’s Natural Paradise!

Meet Sigrid Houberdon, a fellow Swiss who has called the breathtaking island of Yakushima home for 15 years. Famous for its ancient cedar forests, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true natural wonder. Sigrid is passionate about sharing Yakushima’s charm and offers tailored experiences to help you explore its unique beauty.

But let Sigrid introduce herself and explain how she can help you discover everything Yakushima has to offer:

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Yakushima Nature!

My name is Sigrid Houberdon, and for over 10 years, I’ve been guiding explorers through the stunning landscapes of Yakushima. Together with a team of three expert guides—myself, a French guide fluent in English and French, and a local Japanese guide fluent in English and Japanese—we offer you the chance to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Island in a way that perfectly matches your interests and abilities.

Yakushima is a magical place, with 70% of its land designated as a protected park. With hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking the challenge of climbing to the highest peaks, wandering through ancient cedar forests, or strolling through lush tropical landscapes, we tailor each experience to make it unforgettable. But we’re more than just mountain guides. In addition to our signature hiking and multi-day trekking excursions, we invite you to explore Yakushima’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy. Join us for unique experiences, like a workshop to craft your own chopsticks from thousand-year-old cedars, or a guided tour to meet local artisans and sample traditional specialties.

For those seeking adventure beyond the mountains, we also collaborate with expert ocean guides for diving and river guides for kayaking trips, giving you the chance to explore Yakushima from every angle.

At Yakushima Nature, we take the time to understand your needs and tailor your experience, making sure your discovery of this island is a truly unique and personal journey. Whether you’re here for the landscapes, the culture, or the adventure, Yakushima offers a wealth of natural beauty and wonders—and we’re here to show you all of it in complete safety and with deep respect for the island.

Come and experience Yakushima with us!”

https://www.yakushimanature.com/en

Year End Party 2024

Last Friday, we hosted another unforgettable Year-End Party in collaboration with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. Guests embraced the “red and white” theme, with many dazzling creative costumes for the contest.

The evening featured outstanding food and incredible entertainment by the one-of-a-kind sister duo, Charan Po Rantan. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the room was filled with laughter and happy faces all around.

Job Opening at the Embassy of Switzerland

The Embassy of Switzerland is currently seeking a full-time Chef for the Swiss Ambassador’s Residence. This role involves managing the kitchen independently and organizing larger banquets with temporary staff support. The position offers fair conditions and sufficient time off, providing a unique opportunity to work in a prestigious setting.

For a detailed job description, please follow the link: https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/japan/en/home/news/open-job-vacancies.html

YEAR END PARTY 2024 “RED & WHITE”, Friday, 29. November 2024

Let’s get ready for “RED & WHITE” – the 2024 edition of our traditional Year End Party!

This dazzling event – co-hosted by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan and the Swiss Club Tokyo – will take place on Friday, 29. November 2024 at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet and mingle with (fellow) Swiss people and friends of Switzerland in a glamorous and fun atmosphere with great food, musical entertainment and the chance to win some fabulous prizes!

For details and registration, please open the link below, select the “register here” button and follow instructions.

And why not gain some exposure for your product(s) by sponsoring a raffle prize!

For details please click here: https://sccij.jp/events/year-end-party-2024/#raffle

See you at the party!

ADVANCE NOTICE: Swiss Club Ski Week 2025 at Shiga Kogen

Time Frame: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28, 2025

Much earlier than in previous years, we would like to announce our traditional ski week at Shiga Kogen, scheduled for the last week in February 2025. This is to give you a head start when making plans for the coming winter holidays!

So, how about joining the Swiss Club Ski Week at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort in February 2025?

The Shiga Kogen area – boasting over 50 lifts – is one of the biggest ski resorts in Japan, and due to the high elevation, snow conditions are pretty good throughout most of the season.

Our accommodation, the charming chalet-style Hotel Alpenburg, which is located right at the bottom of the slopes, not only offers great food and a cozy lounge with a fireplace, but also a hot spring bath. 

Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy Japan’s winter wonderland together with a happy bunch of like-minded compatriots and friends of Switzerland!

Location: Shiga Kogen, Nagano Prefecture, Hotel Alpenburg

http://alpenburg.com/index.html

You can select any number of days between February 24 and 28, and – depending on vacancy – it is also possible to extend your stay over the weekends before or after that time frame.

Pricing for half-board per night/person (subject to change) :

Adults: JPY 13,500 (day before holiday: JPY 15,200)
Children up to 12 (adult menu): JPY 12,000 (day before holiday: JPY 12,900)
Children up to 12 (child menu) JPY 11,000 (day before holiday: JPY 11,900)
Toddlers: JPY 7,500 (day before holiday: JPY 7,500)
Surcharge for single occupation of room: + JPY 3,500

(All prices shown include service & consumption tax)

Additional Onsen-tax: JPY 150 per day/person ————————————————————————————————————

A limited number of rooms has already been booked and will be assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis.

For registration, please fill out the attached application form and send it to swiss.club.tokyo@gmail.com not later than 9. February 2025!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at: swiss.club.tokyo@gmail.com

Swiss National Day Celebration 2024 – Highlights

Roughly 150 people joined us on Sunday, July 28 to celebrate the Swiss National Day at the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club.
It was a pleasant and joyful affair, highlighted by some Swiss treats like authentic Swiss Sausages and the ever popular Raclette.
Not to forget the touch of Swiss Folklore, provided by our faithful Japanese friends of the Tamagawa Alphorn Club.

Annual General Meeting of the Swiss Club Tokyo on Wednesday, June 12 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (members only!)

The Annual General Meeting of the Swiss Club Tokyo is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 18:30 at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Marunouchi.

Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ffDJmFWEDYzgQw1P9

The General Meeting is a members-only event, but anybody interested in joining the Swiss Club Tokyo, you can do so on this occasion.
If that is the case, please fill out the attached application form and send it not later than June 4, 2024.

After the meeting, we will be able to mingle and enjoy a sumptuous dinner buffet together (drinks included).

Contribution to the cost of the evening is JPY 4500 per person (payment upon registration, if possible, please prepare the exact amount!).

We would like to remind you to also prepare the annual membership fee for 2024 (Individual = JPY 3000, family = JPY 5000, student =JPY 2000).

If you have any questions, please contact us: Contact

SWISS CLUB FAMILY PICINIC on Sunday, May 19

Why not join us for the annual Swiss Club Family picnic at Hyogojima Park in Futako Tamagawa?

This casual gathering is meant to give families with a Swiss background a chance to get together, share, exchange, and most of all – have some fun!

This being said, it is of course perfectly all right to join if you are single, non-Swiss, and/or if you do not have any children. Anybody is welcome!

If you are interested, please let us know the number of people in your group via contact form:

    There is no need for a limit on the number of participants, and we do not have a deadline, but it would give us an idea about how many people we can expect.

    Please bring your own food and drink with you. A sheet to sit upon, camping chairs, a sun shelter, etc. would be a good idea as well…

    Unfortunately, BBQ is not permitted!

    The organization team will reserve a spot with little swiss flags at the far end of the park (see flyer below) and await your arrival at around 11 AM.

    The park is located rather close to Futako Tamagawa station, which is ideal if you choose to arrive via public transportation.

    Parking a car might be difficult (proximity to station, weekend), but there is public parking approx. 800 meters from the park. Please check the link on Google Maps: Tamagawa Kasenjiki Parking Lot https://goo.gl/maps/4R9W4K9U48dQjVz66

    Important Note: Depending on weather conditions, we might have to shift the picnic to Sunday, May 26, or, in the worst case, cancel the event!

    If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us: swiss.club.tokyo@gmail.com

    Best wishes from the Organization team!