With thanks to FH President, Mr. Jean-Daniel Pasche

This reeption was held in conjunction with the retirement of FH President Jean-Daniel Pasche from his position at the end of 2023, when his 21-year term as President of the Swiss Watch Industry will expire. It was attended by about 70 guests from Swiss watch brands, importers, retailers and related associations who have been involved in the Swiss watch industry.　

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, H.E. Dr. Andreas Baum gave an opening address as host and thanked the participants for coming, saying, "I hope you will have an exciting evening of great discussion about watches.

Mr. Pasche then took the stage and expressed his pleasure at the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland next year in 2024, saying, "I am sure that the good relationship between the Swiss watch industry and Japan will continue under my successor. Japan continues to be an important market for the watch industry. We can also count on the dedication of the Embassy, the Swiss Business Hub, and the related pepole in the watch industry who support the Swiss brands. The Swiss Watch Institute FH will continue its efforts on behalf of the Japan Watch Importers' Association and the Japan Clock & Watch Association, as well as the global watch industry," he added.

As a surprise, the Koenji Asuka-ren (Asuka dance grop) performed an "Awa Odori" dance performance at the event. Ms. Ayako Nakano, Director of FH Tokyo Center, said, "Among the Japanese customs that Emme Humbert learned 160 years ago when he came to Japan as the head of a Swiss delegation, there were songs and dances unique to Japan. Music and dance, like clocks, can connect people's hearts beyond national and language differences. After introducing the Awa Odori, which brings people and people together, and people and communities together, the members of Asuka-ren appeared on stage and enlivened the audience with their bright and colorful Awa Odori dance. During the performance, a lecture on the dance was given to the participants. During the cocktail hour that followed, the participants mingled in a friendly atmosphere and thanked Mr. Pasche for his hard work.

Born on 25 February 1956 in Le Val-de-Travers, Mr. Jean-Daniel Pasche is the father of two children and lives in Biel/Bienne. Originally from Servion (VD), he studied law at the University of Neuchâtel. He obtained a law degree in 1980 (master), and in 1986 a doctorate with a specialization in intellectual property. He began his career as a lawyer at the Federal Office of Intellectual Property, where he became familiar with the different aspects of this branch of law. He became head of the Trademarks Division in 1986 and was appointed as deputy director in 1990. He took over the reins of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) on 1st July 1993. On 1st July 2002, following a restructuring of the Federation, he became its president-executive. Since his appointment, he has represented the Swiss watchmaking industry in the development and protection of the industry, including diplomatic negotiations on free trade in Swiss watches and the protection of intellectual property.

　

December 24, 2023