The World fair in Osaka (1970) marks the beginning of Switzerland’s more active cultural engagement in Japan. The cultural part of the Swiss contribution consists of concerts and exhibitions. Before 1970, projects organised by Pro Helvetia were limited to a few poster art and book exhibitions.
Swiss pavilion at the World fair in Osaka
Swiss Federal Archives E 9042-01 2006/177, Vol. 119
The World fair in Osaka (1970) marks the beginning of Switzerland’s more active cultural engagement in Japan. The cultural part of the Swiss contribution consists of concerts and exhibitions. Before 1970, projects organised by Pro Helvetia were limited to a few poster art and book exhibitions.
Swiss pavilion at the World fair in Osaka
Swiss Federal Archives E 9042-01 2006/177, Vol. 119
The exhibition of Giacometti’s work in Japan, 1973, is proof of an increase in cultural exchange between Switzerland and Japan. It is also the first big exhibition Pro Helvetia dedicates to the Swiss artist, who lives in Paris. After Japan the exhibition is shown in several museums in the USA.
Swiss Federal Archives E 2200.136
An exhibition of Segantini’s most famous works is shown in Tokyo and in Kobe in 1978 and draws up to 100 000 visitors. The exhibition was organised by the Swiss embassy and a Japanese daily paper. Pro Helvetia was not involved.
Swiss Federal Archives E 2200.136
Giacometti’s work is exhibited in Tokyo, Kobe and Kanazawa.
Pro Helvetia Archives
The Swiss presence in Japan is continued with an exhibition of Böcklin, 1987.
Swiss National Library, poster collection
During the second half of the 20th century, Pro Helvetia organises several exhibitions of Füssli abroad. For the first time in winter 1983/84, the foundation sends pictures of the 18th-century painter to Japan, where they are displayed in museums in Tokyo and Kitakyushu.
Swiss National Library, poster collection
