Reception Celebrating the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan Held in Bern

A reception celebrating the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan was held in Bern under the auspices of H.E. Mr. Iijima Toshiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Switzerland, together with his spouse. 

The reception brought together members of the Swiss Federal Assembly, representatives of the Swiss government officials and the diplomatic corps, and guests from political, economic, academic, and cultural sectors of both Japan and Switzerland. The event formed part of the official commemorative activities traditionally organized by Japanese diplomatic missions abroad in honour of His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday. 

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Iijima expressed appreciation to the distinguished guests in attendance and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation and dialogue between Japan and Switzerland. Referring to the longstanding friendship between the two countries, he conveyed his hope that bilateral relations would continue to develop across multiple fields in the years ahead. 

Ms. Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter, Member of the National Council and President of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Switzerland–Japan, also addressed the audience. In her speech, she highlighted the significance of parliamentary exchange and institutional collaboration in sustaining bilateral engagement. She noted that political continuity and stable leadership in both countries provide an important foundation for strengthening cooperation in a changing international environment. 

The formal programme included a traditional Kagami Biraki ceremony, in which a ceremonial sake barrel was opened by invited representatives. The ritual, widely performed in Japan at celebratory occasions, symbolizes harmony, shared goodwill, and prosperity. 

Guests were subsequently invited to a reception featuring Japanese cuisine and beverages, including sake from various regions of Japan and Japanese whisky, which has gained growing recognition internationally. Exhibitions by supporting organizations were also arranged at the venue, presenting initiatives and projects related to Japan–Switzerland exchange. 

Throughout the evening, attendees from diverse sectors engaged in informal exchanges, reflecting the breadth of bilateral engagement across diplomacy, commerce, and cultural cooperation. As a cultural media organization reporting on international cultural initiatives and exchange, we will continue to follow developments related to Japan–Switzerland cooperation and relevant cultural.