Nara Prefecture ― Canton of Bern (2015)

Kansai | Nara Prefecture

City Partnerships

Nara Prefecture and the Canton of Bern have come together in what might be one of Switzerland and Japan’s largest partnerships.

The soul of Japan

With close to 2,000 years of recorded history and more UNESCO World Heritage listings than any other prefecture, Nara Prefecture is the cradle of Japanese civilization. Also known as the Yamato region, it was home to Japan's capital on several occasions between the 6th and 8th centuries. Nowadays, the historical and cultural charm of the prefecture, as well as its adorable deer, attract countless domestic and international visitors every year.

Yet, as part of Japan’s second strongest economic region (Kansai), Nara Prefecture is not interested in resting on its laurels, and actively seeks ways to improve its attractiveness. That is how its path crossed Switzerland’s.

Diplomatic and imperial support

In May 2014, a Japanese delegation traveled to Switzerland to celebrate the 150 years of diplomatic relations. There, striking similarities in population, environment, economy and cultural heritage between Nara Prefecture and the Canton of Bern were raised among diplomats, soon leading the two entities to accentuate their relations and search for common areas of cooperation.

Only one year later, on April 17, 2015, Bern Regierungspräsidentin (Governor) Barbara Egger-Jenzer and Nara Governor Shogo Arai signed Switzerland and Japan’s second cantonal/prefectural friendship agreement in Nara City. Parties agreed to exchange information and practices on tourism, culture, forestry, and energy and environmental technology. They also pledged to involve all interested communities, organizations, associations and companies in their common projects.

The day before the signature, the Bernese delegation had been privately received by His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito, who showed interest in Switzerland’s second largest canton.

Good afternoon, Mr. President!

The Canton of Bern is before all known for hosting the country’s federal and cantonal capital, Bern, a middle-sized city whose mighty Federal Palace and medieval architecture have become visitors’ favorites. Even Switzerland’s president and ministers can be seen casually walking among passersby under the typical arcades of the old downtown area!

Outside of the capital’s limits, the canton is rich in diversity, as shown by its bilingualism (German and French), various topographies, and different traditions. From Interlaken the cosmopolitan, sitting between two lakes at the foot of the Jungfraujoch, to the delicious cheese, alphorns and green meadows of Emmental, Bern showcases many of the elements that have helped shape the image of Switzerland abroad. It has therefore been featured in hundreds of films, including James Bond’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (Mürren) and “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (Saanen and Gstaad)!

Last but not least, Bern has also been a Swiss hub for high-precision industries for over two centuries. Brands such as Rolex, Omega, Longines and Swatch were all founded on its soil, while newer sectors such as medical technology, renewable energy, telecommunications, computer science, and engineering are expanding fast and attracting numerous internationally-recognized companies.

A “priceless” agreement

As Nara Prefecture and the Canton of Bern were committed to take advantage of their momentum, a lot has already been achieved. Among others, several visits have taken place, students have been exchanged, and a summer school on forest and wildlife management was organized in collaboration with local universities located in Bern. The canton also plans to send a delegation of experts to Nara in May 2019 to discuss the common issue of elderly care.

As summarized by Ms. Egger-Jenzer in 2015: "I am impressed by the appreciation that the Japanese have for the Canton of Bern. The friendship agreement with the Prefecture of Nara builds on this and strengthens the good reputation of the Canton of Bern in Japan. That is priceless."