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, November 19, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Schedule: | 18:30 – 20:30 (D.O.: 18:15) |
| Venue: | Philip Morris Japan (26F) 2-11-1 Nagatachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014 (MAP) |
| Fee: | Free of charge |
| Registration: |  Deadline: November 12, 2026, 12:00 JST. Capacity is limited. STOT and SCCIJ Members will be given priority until November 4, 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: | Deadline: November 12, 2026, 12:00 JST. Capacity is limited. STOT and SCCIJ Members will be given priority until November 4, 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 Speakers
Natsue Ishida & Massimo Bondi
Natsue has over 20 years’ experience serving as legal advisor, Global General Counsel and Senior Executive at multinational corporations headquartered in Japan, North America, and Europe. She has supported sustainable corporate growth and risk management within highly regulated industries such as finance, medical devices, automotive, and gaming.
Massimo was born and raised in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland. After building a foundational career in internal corporate IT and living in Amsterdam and New York City, he relocated to Japan twenty years ago. Upon arriving in Tokyo, Massimo successfully turned the passion for performance—first developed through early work in commercials, musicals, and amateur theater—into a profession, appearing across film, television, and advertising in Japan and beyond.
Access
