Tokyo (SCCIJ) – Following a long pandemic-induced break, the SCCIJ recently celebrated the return of its annual Kansai outing in the historic city of Himeji. The event, attended by a delegation of 30 guests including Dr. Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, and Mr. Tatsuhiko Fukatani, CEO of Nestlé Japan, provided a unique platform for fostering closer ties ahead of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The delegation was treated with a private tour of Nestlé Japan’s Himeji Factory.
Brewing Marvels: Inside Nestlé's Coffee World
The highlight of this year’s excursion was an in-depth tour of Nestlé’s Himeji Factory, hosted by none other than Nestlé Japan’s top management. Following some welcome words by Mr. Fukatani, Ambassador Baum, and Mr. Takuya Maeda, Himeji Factory Manager, the members of the SCCIJ delegation were shown the various steps of the coffee manufacturing process, from the delivery of the beans to the packaging process. The Himeji Factory, which opened in 1966 and produces other flagship products such as KitKat chocolates, ships every day a sizable share of all coffee such as Nescafé and Starbucks consumed in Japan.
Nestlé, known for its diverse portfolio of over 2,000 brands spanning 188 countries, showcased its commitment to sustainability through its factories in Japan, including the Himeji factory, and its achievement to purchase 100% renewable energy, contributing to the global push for eco-conscious production practices. The Himeji Factory notably recycles the coffee grounds produced during the coffee extraction process and uses them as fuel, while the steam generated by its combustion energy is used as a heat source in the factories.
The participants were also treated to a cultural tour of Himeji.
A proud past a promising future
Moreover, the delegates had the opportunity to delve into the rich historical heritage of Himeji through an exploration of the city’s iconic Himeji Castle. Standing as a testament to Japan’s architectural marvels, the over 400-year-old castle stands proudly as a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site, casting a mesmerizing silhouette against the city skyline. The program ended following a visit and dinner at a local sake brewery.
As the delegation bids farewell to the city of the “White Heron Castle”, the SCCIJ Kansai Chapter, composed of SCCIJ Kansai Vice-President Mr. Dieter Sommerhalder (DoSwiss Japan K.K.), Dr. Felix Moesner (Consult of Switzerland, Swissnex Japan CEO), and Ms. Yuko Sakai (Nestlé Japan), highlighted the importance of such engagements in the Kansai region, especially in the context of the World Expo 2025. With the recent inauguration of the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka, the SCCIJ is committed to fostering and nurturing a solid Swiss-Japanese business community beyond the Kanto region.
Text: SCCIJ based on material from Dr. Felix Moesner and Nestlé
