The year 2024 will mark the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland. To celebrate this anniversary, various exchange projects will be organised in both countries. As part of the preparations for this year of friendship, a public competition was held to select the official anniversary logo to be used at events celebrating the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland.
The members of the selection panel were Ambassador of Japan to Switzerland Mr Yoshinori FUJIYAMA, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan Dr Andreas BAUM, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. Selected out of 224 entries, the winning design was created by Mr Anthony CHERBUIN, who lives in Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. The logo combines national flags of both countries, and the images of a cherry blossom and edelweiss which represent the cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Cherbuin explains, “the Japanese cherry blossom and the Swiss edelweiss both share values of perseverance, beauty, and love. These flowers reflect the resilience of both nations and the importance of every moment of friendship. Together, Japan and Switzerland overcome challenges and see their collaboration blossom like these emblematic flowers”.
The logo will be used for activities associated with the anniversary throughout 2024. Officially recognised events commemorating the “160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland” will be entitled to use the official title “Commemorative event of the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland.”
The following year, in 2025, Japan will host the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where Switzerland will be present with a pavilion showcasing Swiss innovative solutions for a sustainable, healthy and prosperous future. As part of the ongoing Vitality.Swiss program, the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan celebrates and strengthens 160 years of bilateral ties by fostering a platform for dialogue and co-creation on the road to Expo 2025. Thus, our partners at Office for Typography have harmonized the anniversary logo with our brand identity.
The logo is available in colour and black and white and applications for patronage can be found here.
