Japan is one of Switzerland's most important trade partners in Asia. The two countries have strong trade ties and a long history of close economic, political and multilateral cooperation. Relations are excellent and are maintained at the highest level.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Japan
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland and Japan enjoy excellent, close relations. Japan's priority status in Swiss foreign policy has been highlighted by its inclusion in the 2025-28 Asia G20 Strategy. August 2024 marked the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries with an official visit to Japan by then Swiss president, Viola Amherd.
Since 2009, Switzerland and Japan have been engaged in a political dialogue aimed at promoting bilateral relations and cooperation.
Switzerland and Japan tend to adopt similar positions in multilateral forums, particularly on issues relating to international cooperation, peace policy and nuclear disarmament. Both Switzerland and Japan held non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024.
Economic cooperation
Economic relations between Japan and Switzerland are very close. Japan is a priority country for the promotion of Swiss exports and Switzerland's third largest trading partner in Asia after China (including Hong Kong) and India.
The Agreement on Free Trade and Economic Partnership between the Swiss Confederation and Japan, which entered into force on 1 September 2009, was the first free trade agreement signed by Japan with a European country.
The two countries engage in regular dialogue on financial matters in order to coordinate financial policy positions. Tourism and image promotion are two other important aspects of Switzerland's economic relations with Japan.
The Swiss Business Hub in Tokyo promotes Switzerland as a location for business.
Japan: Agreement on Free Trade and Economic Partnership, SECO
Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Japan is a major partner in Asia for Swiss education, research and innovation actors.
To boost these links, Switzerland and Japan signed an agreement on cooperation in science and technology in 2007, following which a bilateral programme. A joint committee meets regularly to discuss topics of common interest.
The science section of the Swiss embassy in Tokyo actively supports Swiss actors in education, research and innovation in their activities and in contacts with Japanese partners. In 2023, Swissnex opened an office in Osaka.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Bilateral Cooperation Programmes, State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
Cultural exchanges
The Swiss embassy is particularly active in promoting cultural exchanges.
In 2024, the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations was celebrated with a range of cultural events.In 2025, Switzerland participated in the world expo in Osaka with a pavilion dedicated to three topics entitled ‘augmented human’, ‘life’ and ‘planet’. In preparation for the expo and as part of the celebrations marking 160 years of bilateral relations, the Swiss representations in Japan also came up with the Vitality.Swiss programme as a dialogue platform to include the general public.
Swiss Nationals in Japan
At the end of 2024, there were 1,996 Swiss nationals living in Japan.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland has a long history of interest in Japan. The first trade delegation, led by watch industry representative Aimé Humbert, visited Japan in 1863. This visit resulted in the conclusion of a trade and friendship agreement the following year.
In 1906 Switzerland opened a representation in Tokyo. During the Second World War Switzerland represented the interests in Japan of many countries including the United States and the United Kingdom. Following an interruption in the 1945–52 period diplomatic relations were resumed in 1952, and in 1957 the embassy was reopened.
