Swiss Club Tokyo announcements
Ten students from the Swiss curriculum’s at the DTSY grades 5-11 journeyed to Expo 2025 in Osaka for an immersive cultural adventure. Highlights included a private tour of Switzerland’s sustainable pavilion and visits to pavillions of Germany, Malaysia, and the UAE, learning to seek out hidden gems over crowded attractions.
Read all about it here (in German): Mit dem Schweizer Unterricht unterwegs
Our 38th Swiss Young Professionals Gathering was absolutely buzzing with energy. Over 100 people showed up – it’s amazing to see such a vibrant community.
We teamed up with our friends at the Embassy of Switzerland and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry to put this together, and it was such a great mix of familiar faces and new connections. We were thrilled to have Mr. Luca Orduna and Ms. Ayako Nakano tell us all about the Swiss-Japan Scholarship Fund – talk about inspiring stuff!
The evening was exactly what we love about these gatherings: genuine conversations, lots of laughs, and that special blend of Swiss and Japanese culture that makes our community so unique. Whether you’re a longtime Tokyo resident or just arrived from Switzerland, these are the moments that remind us why we do what we do.
Check out the photos in the Gallery provided by the SCCIJ if you want to see all the fun you missed (or relive it if you were there!). Can’t wait for the next one!
If you attended, please hare your feedback to help us improve the event: Survey
Twenty-three children aged 10-16 from Biel, along with six adults, are preparing for an extraordinary adventure that will take them to Japan this October. The group shares a passion for Aikido, a martial art promoting harmony and non-violence.
Biel/Bienne, a bilingual city in northwestern Switzerland known for its watchmaking heritage and cultural diversity, is the home to these Aikido Kids who train at the local dojo under the guidance of Eric Graf, a 6th Dan holder and mathematician.
The KIDS JAPAN 2025 project, scheduled for October 4-19, 2025, represents the third edition of this cultural exchange program. Previous trips in 2014 and 2018 proved transformative for participants, advancing their personal development significantly.
The journey aims to help children discover Aikido’s roots while immersing themselves in traditional Japanese philosophy and culture. Participants will train with Japanese peers, visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara, and experience authentic cultural practices.
The parent association Aikido Friends Biel actively supports the project with numerous fundraising activities and events. While the initiative has already gained backing from renowned organizations such as the Japan Foundation, the Swiss Embassy in Japan, and the Swiss Youth Aikido Association, we are still seeking additional private sponsors to help make this unique cultural exchange possible for all participating children.
For many participants, this represents their first extended time away from home, creating memories that will last a lifetime while fostering international understanding and cultural appreciation.
If you would like to support our project, we look forward to hearing from you by email at president@aikido-friends-biel-bienne.org.
You can find more information about the KIDS JAPAN 2025 exchange on our website aikido-friends-biel-bienne.org.
Kids Japan 2025 in Dojo (above)
and demonstration outside in Biel/Bienne, March 2025 (below)
It’s that time of year again — and we’re excited to invite you to our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 12, at 18:30 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Marunouchi.
Access Details Google Maps Link
Traditionally, our General Meeting was a members-only affair, but this year we’re opening the doors to friends and future friends of the Swiss Club! (Just a quick note: non-members are welcome to attend, but only members can participate in the voting.)
After the formal part, we’ll move on to the fun part — a relaxed evening of mingling over a delicious buffet dinner with drinks included.
Contribution to the evening:
Members: JPY 5,000 per person
Non-members: JPY 6,000 per person
Also, a friendly reminder to members: it’s time to renew your annual membership fee for 2025:
Individual: JPY 3,000
Family: JPY 5,000
Student: JPY 2,000
Payment can be made either via bank transfer (details see below*) or in cash upon arrival at the event.
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*Information for bank transfer:
Seven Bank (0034), bara branch (107), Ordinary account 1473878, Recipient: Woehrle, Peter
セブン銀行（００３４）、バラ支店（１０７）、普通預金１４７３８７８、ヴァーレ ピーター
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I’m looking forward to seeing many familiar faces — and hopefully some new ones too — on June 12!
For more details on the evening’s agenda, please refer to the PDF-document below:
Over the weekend the Email for the election of the delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad has been sent out. There were two emails sent out because there was an issue with the personal PIN code.
In order to cast you vote follow the following instructions, which are also expalained in the email:
Link: https://univote.ch/asr-2025-jp
You can find information about the candidates for Japan here: CSA Elections
We encourage you to take a moment to participate in these elections.
From February 24 to 28, 2025, the Swiss Club Tokyo once again gathered for its much-anticipated Ski Week in the breathtaking slopes of Shiga Kogen. Staying true to tradition, we made ourselves at home in the charming Hotel Alpenburg, a place that has hosted us for over a decade and continues to provide the perfect blend of comfort and convenience—right next to the ski lifts of the Giant area.
With around 20 participants joining the adventure, our group saw some variations in arrival and departure dates, but Monday and Tuesday were the golden days when everyone was on-site, ready to carve up the slopes together. And what a treat Tuesday turned out to be—a perfect bluebird day! The sun shone down on pristine snow, making for glorious skiing conditions and even better après-ski camaraderie.
The latter part of the week did not disappoint either. Thursday and Friday brought plenty of sunshine, giving us more chances to soak in the spectacular alpine views while enjoying fantastic runs. The mountains truly smiled upon us this year, and the mix of skiing, laughter, and great company made for yet another unforgettable Swiss Club ski retreat.
Whether zipping down the slopes, sharing stories over hearty meals, or simply reveling in the joy of winter sports, this year’s Ski Week proved once again why it remains one of the club’s most cherished traditions. Until next time—see you on the slopes in 2026!
Save the date!
We have already made a tentative reservation for the last week of February 2026 (Monday, Feb. 23 -27).
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.
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:
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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.
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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!
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.
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
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.
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!
