The official talks focused on expanding bilateral relations, the 160th anniversary of which were marked last year. In Tokyo, the delegation was received by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Fukushirō Nukaga, and paid courtesy visits to various ministries. The topics addressed included cooperation between the two countries, current geopolitical challenges, the global security architecture and approaches to disaster prevention. The high-level meetings reaffirmed the excellent relations that exist between Switzerland and Japan and provided an opportunity to further deepen potential areas of cooperation between the two countries.
One of the main aims of the trip was to hold discussions with business representatives. In Tokyo, the delegation met with representatives from Swiss and Japanese companies as well as the Keidanren business association where they discussed innovation, economic security and sustainability.
The latest tariff decisions announced by the US and their impact on the export-orientated economies of Switzerland and Japan as well as on the global economic situation were discussed in detail with the emphasis on common concerns regarding free trade, the stability of global supply chains and the importance of rules-based international trade structures.
A visit to the G-Cans infrastructure project – the largest drainage system for flood prevention – demonstrated Japan's technological innovation and highlighted the importance of resilient infrastructures in the face of global challenges. In addition, the exchange with Shimizu, a leading Japanese construction company, provided an opportunity to discuss opportunities for cooperation on sustainable innovation with Swiss start-ups and innovation parks.
A further aspect of the visit was on science and innovation. The delegation visited the renowned Kyoto University, which has a strategic partnership with the University of Zurich, as well as the Nakanoshima Qross innovation centre in Osaka, which enjoys international recognition in the field of regenerative medicine. The programme also included a visit to the Swissnex office in Japan, which was opened in 2023 to promote innovation cooperation between the two countries.
A particular highlight was attending the opening of EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. National Council president Maja Riniker and her delegation took part in the inauguration of the Swiss pavilion, which, under the motto “From Heidi to Hightech” combines tradition with pioneering solutions from the fields of life sciences, environmental protection, robotics and artificial intelligence. The Swiss presence at the World Expo emphasises Switzerland's innovative potential and strengthens the international visibility of bilateral cooperation in the field of research and technology, as well as the exchange between participating countries.
The delegation was composed of the following National Council members:
- Maja Riniker, president of the National Council
- Pierre-André Page, first vice president of the National Council
- Katja Christ, second vice president of the National Council
- Thomas Aeschi, president of the SVP parliamentary group
- Samuel Bendahan, co-president of the SP parliamentary group
- Philipp Matthias Bregy, president of The Centre parliamentary group
- Damien Cottier, president of the FDP-The Liberals parliamentary group
- Aline Trede, president of the Green Party parliamentary group
- Corina Gredig, president of the Green-Liberal parliamentary group
In Tokyo, National Council President Maja Riniker and her delegation are received by Fukushirō Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Attending the inauguration of the Swiss Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka.