Japan offers extraordinary opportunities, but building a life and career here also comes with unique challenges. Thriving and Surviving in Japan is a joint evening talk series organised by the Science & Technology Office, Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCIJ). Through inspiring personal stories, practical advice, and meaningful networking, the series aims to strengthen connections within the Swiss community in Japan.
Building a life and career in Japan is an exciting journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and unexpected discoveries. Whether you have just arrived or have been living here for years, hearing the experiences of those who have already walked the path can offer inspiration, practical advice, and new perspectives.
Thriving and Surviving in Japan is a joint evening talk series organised by the Science & Technology Office, Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCIJ). Each session features a member of the Swiss community sharing their personal and professional journey in Japan, reflecting on the decisions they made, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way.
Following the talk, participants are invited to continue the conversation during an informal networking reception over Swiss cheese and refreshments. The series offers a welcoming space to exchange ideas, expand your network, and meet people from different backgrounds who share an interest in Switzerland and Japan.
Whether you are a student, researcher, entrepreneur, corporate professional, or simply curious about life and careers in Japan, Thriving and Surviving in Japan is an opportunity to discover inspiring stories, gain practical insights, and become part of the Swiss community in Japan.
| Date: | Thursday, October 15, 2026 |
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| Schedule: | 18:30 – 20:30 (D.O.: 18:15) |
| Venue: | Nestlé Japan Ltd. Tokyo Commercial Office (20F) @Tennoz Ocean Square 2-2-20 Higashi-shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-0002 (map) |
| Fee: | Free of charge |
| SCCIJ Registration: |  Deadline: October 9, 2026, 12:00 JST.* Capacity is limited. STOT and SCCIJ Members will be given priority until September 29, 2026. After that date, registrations will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis. If you register but are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list. No-shows without notice will result in losing priority for the next event. |
| STOT Registration (for exchange students): | Deadline: October 9, 2026, 12:00 JST.* Capacity is limited. STOT and SCCIJ Members will be given priority until September 29, 2026. After that date, registrations will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis. If you register but are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list. No-shows without notice will result in losing priority for the next event. |
| Disclaimer: | • The SCCIJ may film and take photographs of this event. If you participate, please be noted that these pictures and videos may be used in various media, such as the SCCIJ website, SCCIJ social networking sites, and SCCIJ promotional materials. If you do not want to appear on these pictures and/or videos, kindly notify the SCCIJ staff at the event. • The views expressed by the speaker(s) do not reflect those of the SCCIJ as an organization. |
| Inquiries: | By e-mail to info@sccij.jp |
Biography of the Speaker
Ms. Meret Brunner is a Swiss hospitality executive currently leading operations at The Peninsula Tokyo, bringing extensive international experience across The Peninsula Hotels in New York, Bangkok, London and Tokyo. Throughout her career, she has developed deep expertise in luxury hotel operations, team leadership and commercial performance, combining international standards with a strong understanding of local markets. Her experience in Tokyo has been particularly influential, allowing her to immerse herself in Japan’s sophisticated hospitality environment and its philosophy of omotenashi. She has focused on balancing global brand standards with Japanese cultural expectations while strengthening service quality and personalized guest experiences. Known for an energetic and forward-looking leadership style, Meret places particular emphasis on people development, adaptability and operational excellence. Her work reflects a commitment to continuously refining luxury hospitality through innovation, cultural understanding and a strong focus on delivering exceptional experiences.
