From Forum to the Ball with a Princess

As part of the Swiss delegation trip to Japan, gerontologist Sabina Misoch participated in the Switzerland-Japan Economic Forum. Together with her Japanese research colleague Takanori Shibata, she formed part of a panel that attempted to answer the question of whether an ageing society can be a driver of innovation. After the forum, it was time for the Spring Ball, which had a Japanese princess as its guest of honour.

Lea Müller

Over 200 people from Japan’s business and industrial sectors took part in the first Switzerland-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo. For Sabina Misoch, who manages the national innovation network AGE-NT, it was a good opportunity to explore the concept of «Living Labs» and make some new contacts. «Japan’s industry is very interested in the Swiss market.»

Mauro Dell’Ambrogio, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation SERI, participated on another panel at the forum and was also interviewed by Japan News (read the report here).

In the evening, the Swiss delegation led by Mauro Dell’ Ambrogio was invited to the Spring Ball of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce an Industry, where the guest of honour was Japanese princess Hisako of Takamado. «It was a great evening, and very exciting from a cultural perspective», says Sabina Misoch. The hairstyles and clothes at the ball were ostentatious, and there were some very traditional Japanese costumes on show. The guests danced until late in the night. When the princess eventually made her exit, the party immediately came to an end for everyone and the ballroom, which had held over 200 people on the night, was empty within minutes.

Pictures: Sakurako Kuroda, Sabina Misoch