How do you personally assess the current situation?

Here in Tokyo we have not had any big material impact of this crisis so far. But my thoughts are with the Japanese who are suffering tremendously after the earthquake and tsunami. We should not forget what is happening in the Northern region of Japan. There the human tragedy is beyond imagination.

Of course, there is concern about the nuclear situation in Fukushima. But the probability of a significant effect on human health from that site all the way to Tokyo/Yokohama seems to be rather limited. Therefore, I am personally still here in Tokyo operating as usual while closely monitoring how the situation develops.  

How have SCCIJ members reacted to the developments?

We have received various reactions. Most companies have been very busy last week planning for contingencies. Should we stay in Tokyo? Should we move to Osaka? Should we operate by remote? 

I personally have been impressed that Swiss companies are first thinking about their employees and families and at the same time are concerned about how to help their customers. Many also have decided to stay.  

What is their reasoning for this decision?

Those people who are still here are looking at how Japanese companies are behaving. I think they have a balanced view of what the real risks are from the nuclear accidents in Fukushima. They know that Fukushima is 250 km apart from Tokyo. They are equally aware of the risk of aftershocks.

However, in this kind of crisis situation, there is no right or wrong. Each individual, each company, has to make its own decision. But surprisingly, many of the long-term residents in Japan are still here. Not all seats on three flights last weekend to Switzerland were used up.  

But they are not following the recommendation of the Embassy of Switzerland to leave Tokyo?

We at the Swiss Chamber are fully aware of the recommendations and are following their updates very closely. In fact, the website of the Embassy of Switzerland is our primary information source. We have been extremely impressed by the support they have given us be it from Tokyo or from Osaka. We are in constant contact with them. They have always been approachable, always willing to help out.

They are recommending leaving as a precautionary measure because of the nuclear situation, the risk of aftershocks, the power supply etc. As the Swiss government you also have to make a political decision. Ultimately, they have to be concerned about the safety of each Swiss citizen in Japan. Any government for that matter has a different risk tolerance level than individuals or companies.  

What kind of impact do you expect on business activities in the next time?

For the next weeks, there will be a significant impact. The business volume will go down. First of all, the power supply has not been secured yet in different parts of Eastern Japan. So it will not be possible to operate business as usual. Many companies also have to do contingency planning and assess material damage.

In the short term, I think there will be an impact, whereas in the midterm, the economic condition in Japan will improve because Japanese government will sure invest a lot into rebuilding Japan. So there will be opportunities for Swiss companies.  

How fast do you expect foreigners to return to Japan?

It will take some time until the situation stabilizes completely, so probably the foreigners who went out of the country will not come back too quickly. I do think, though, that too much attention has been given to the foreigners who left and not sufficient attention to the foreigners who stay.  

How will the Japanese perceive this?

The Japanese will not forget the Swiss nationals and Swiss companies who have been trying to support them during this difficult time. Once things have stabilized the Japanese will remember who was there in the time of need. That is what long-term Japanese business relationships are about. I am pleased that Swiss companies are thinking about their Japanese customers, suppliers and partners whether they presently operate from Tokyo, Osaka or anywhere else.  

Some people see the catastrophe as a catalyst of change in Japan. What is your view?

In the past people spoke of lost decades but this major crisis might actually help Japan to find a new consensus. The political parties are realizing that they have to set aside their fights to impose some structural changes.  

What has surprised you the most in this crisis?

When I heard that the Tokyo Sky Tree reached its maximum height last Friday despite the catastrophe, I could hardly believe it. This shows the endurance and determination of Japanese people in the face of their worst crisis since the Second World War. I have been even more amazed by the spirit of helping each other. How individuals and companies alike are making donations and offering various kinds of support.

The Swiss Business Community has benefited tremendously from the Japan-Swiss relationship. Japan is our friend and partner. The Executive Committee of SCCIJ has therefore just decided to make a JPY 500,000 donation to the Japan Red Cross Society.