Tokyo (SCCIJ) – The Swiss Business Hub Japan, with the support of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCIJ), recently hosted the Swiss-Japan Business Night on the occasion of the visit of a delegation from the University of St. Gallen (HSG). The event brought together representatives from leading Swiss companies active in Japan and participants of the HSG International EMBA program, who were in Japan as part of a study visit conducted in partnership with Hitotsubashi University, creating a valuable platform for exchange between academia and industry.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from key representatives of the Swiss network in Japan. Mr. David Braun, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between Swiss institutions and the business community. He was followed by Mr. Luca Saporita from the Swiss Business Hub Japan, Mr. Gabriel Späti from the Economic Section of the Embassy of Switzerland, Mr. Marko Radovic from Swissnex in Japan, and Dr. Matthias Frey from Sony, who shared perspectives on investments and economic cooperation between Switzerland and Japan.
The event was organized in connection with the visit of an HSG delegation, led by Prof. Tomas Casas Klett, who oversees the program, together with Ms. Annelies Van Herck, coordinator of the Japan study trip. The delegation’s program in Japan includes meetings with institutions, companies, and experts, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the Japanese economic environment and the broader Swiss–Japanese relationship.
A highlight of the evening was the panel discussion on “Doing Business in Japan,” moderated by SCCIJ President Mr. Michael Mroczek (Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law). The panel featured distinguished speakers from leading Swiss companies operating in Japan: Mr. Markus Gfeller, President & CEO of G&S Japan; Mr. Jérôme Schmutz, President of Breitling Japan; and Mr. Toshi Sato, General Manager of VAT Japan.
During the discussion, panelists shared practical insights drawn from their professional experience. A recurring theme was the importance of understanding cultural nuances and building trust-based relationships. As several speakers noted, success in Japan requires not only translating words, but also translating business culture. Patience, careful preparation, and long-term commitment remain essential elements for companies seeking to establish themselves in the Japanese market.
Another key takeaway was the need to bridge the gap between local markets and global headquarters. Mr. Gfeller highlighted the crucial role of leaders who can act as an interface between Japanese customers and European headquarters, ensuring that products and strategies are properly adapted to local expectations. Similarly, Mr. Schmutz emphasized the value of spending time in the market to fully understand customer needs and build lasting partnerships.
The discussion also touched on broader themes such as talent management, brand positioning, and the evolving relationship between headquarters and local teams. Members of the HSG delegation actively participated in the discussion, raising thoughtful and engaging questions that enriched the conversation and sparked further reflection among the panelists and audience.
The evening concluded with informal exchanges over networking and refreshments, offering participants the opportunity to continue the dialogue and strengthen connections within the Swiss-Japanese community.
Events such as this reflect the vibrant collaboration between Swiss institutions, academia, and industry in Japan, and demonstrate the value of open dialogue in navigating one of the world’s most unique and dynamic business environments.
