It is my pleasure to welcome you on the website of the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan.
The diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan date back to the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between the Tokugawa Shogunate and a delegation of the Swiss Confederation, led by Aimé Humbert-Droz in 1864. The relations between our two countries have flourished ever since. They are characterized by strong economic ties, collaboration in the areas of science, technology and education, frequent high level visits and rich and diverse cultural exchanges.
In 2024, Switzerland and Japan celebrated the 160 years anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Vitality.Swiss program celebrates this milestone by highlighting landmark episodes of our history and fostering co-creation on the road to Expo 2025.
As the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic and financial affairs, legal arrangements, science, education, culture and tourism.
Besides its classical sections dealing with the political, economic or cultural affairs, the Embassy also hosts a science and technology office, which is responsible for the promotion of scientific cooperation between the two countries. The Embassy also comprises a Swiss Business Hub, dedicated to export and investment promotion. Additionally, the Embassy hosts the Switzerland Tourism Japan office, whose primary mandate is to promote Switzerland in Japan as a destination for holidays, travel and congresses.
The objective of this website is to provide information on Embassy services and activities, including practical information regarding the bilateral relations. Swiss citizens living in Japan and foreigners seeking visas to Switzerland will also find specific information on the services offered by the Consular Section of the Embassy.
In addition, our website provides general information on the relations between Switzerland and Japan, as well as links to organizations promoting the cooperation between the two countries. Other pages include information on the Swiss authorities and bodies. These pages allow you to discover various aspects of Swiss institutions, its economy, its culture and its people.
I hope that this portal will continue to help Swiss and Japanese citizens learn about our mutual relations and find the answers to their practical questions related to Embassy services and activities.
Roger Dubach Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan
Born in 1974
Studied Law at the University of Fribourg and Philosophy at the University of Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium)
In 2003, joined the diplomatic service of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and completed his training in Bern and Dakar
From 2004, joined the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and was appointed in 2006 as a Diplomatic Advisor to the Director of the Federal Office for Energy
Energy Counsellor at the Swiss Mission to the EU in Brussels from 2009, and acted as Technical Director of the electricity negotiations between Switzerland and the EU
In 2013, appointed as a Personal Advisor to the Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, and then as Chief Advisor and later Deputy Director of the Task Force for the Swiss OSCE Chairmanship
From 2016 to summer 2018, served as Diplomatic Advisor on G20 issues in the Cabinet of the OECD Secretary-General in Paris, and was appointed by the Federal Council in August 2018 as an Ambassador and Deputy Director of the Directorate of International Law
On March 1, 2024, appointed by the Federal Council as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan.
Presented his letters of Credence to the His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on November 7, 2024, marking the official start of his ambassadorship.
Information about past envoys to Japan
Switzerland opened a representation in Japan in 1906.
Dr. iur. Paul Ritter, who was consul general at Yokohama from 1892 to 1906, became the Swiss envoy to the representation from 1906 until 1909.
Mr. Ferdinand von Salis was Swiss envoy from 1909 to 1920
Dr. iur. Charles LE Lardy was Swiss envoy from 1920 to 1924
Chargé d’affaires a.i. Alfred Brunner from 1924 to 1928
Dr. iur. Emile Traversini from 1928 to 1932
Chargé d’affaires a.i. Armin Daeniker from 1933 to 1934
Dr. iur. Walter Thurnheer from 1934 to 1939
Chargé d’affaires a.i. Julien Rossat from 1939 to 1940
Lic. iur. Camille Gorgé (1893–1978) from 1940 to January 1946
Diplomatic Representative Pierre Micheli from December 1945 to July 1946
Dr. iur. Walter Bossi as Secretary of Legation from June 1946 to April 1947
Lic. iur. Charles Albert Dubois as Head of Mission and Secretary of Legation from January 1947 to May 1948
Dr. iur. Max Grässli as Legation Councillor from May 1948 to November 1948
Lic. iur. Charles Albert Dubois as Head of Mission and Secretary of Legation from November 1948 to October 1950
Dr. iur. Charly-Maurice Weibel as Secretary of Legation from May 1950 to April 1952
Chargé d’affaires a.i. Charly-Maurice Weibel from April 1952 to October 1952
Dr. iur. Reinhard Hohl as Swiss envoy from September 1952 to April 1955
Dr. iur. Max Troendle as Swiss envoy from December 1954 to April 1957
Switzerland’s independent legation became an embassy in 1957.
Ambassador Max Troendle from April 1957 to March 1961
Ambassador Jean de Rham from March 1961 to September 1967
Ambassador Emil Anton Stadelhofer from June 1967 to August 1971
Ambassador Giovanni Enrico Bucher from September 1971 to January 1975
Ambassador Pierre Cuénoud from February 1975 to January 1980
Ambassador Fritz Rudolf Stähelin from March 1980 to January 1983
Ambassador Dieter Eric Chenaux-Repond from April 1983 to August 1987
Ambassador Roger Bär from October 1987 to April 1993
Ambassador Jenö Staehelin from April 1993 to June 1997
