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Christian Schwarzenegger, Vice President of the University of Zurich (UZH), has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government. This honor recognizes his commitment to academic exchange and cultural understanding between Japan and Switzerland. The award was presented on 27 February 2025 at UZH.
Schwarzenegger first lived in Japan in the 1990s, teaching European law at universities in Niigata and Aichi. His lectures placed Japanese law in a broader historical context, reflecting its German and French influences from the Meiji era. He also introduced case-based learning, engaging students with real-life examples, including his distant cousin Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Back in Switzerland, Schwarzenegger played a key role in UZH’s internationalization, launching a Double Degree Program with Doshisha University and fostering partnerships with leading Japanese institutions. Furthermore, Schwarzenegger launched the Japan Lecture Series in 2022, bringing renowned Japanese speakers to UZH, including Nobel laureate Shin'ya Yamanaka. This initiative reinforced scientific collaboration in regenerative medicine between UZH and Kyoto University.
As President of the Swiss-Japanese Society, Schwarzenegger organizes cultural events showcasing Japanese art, music, and traditions. To mark the Society’s 70th anniversary in 2025, a special event at Kunsthaus Zürich will feature Japanese calligraphy, jazz, and visual arts.
Beyond academia, Schwarzenegger’s passion for Japanese craftsmanship, cuisine, and philosophy has shaped his life. His dedication to fostering Swiss-Japanese relations has now been recognized with one of Japan’s highest honors.
Read Vice President Christian Schwarzeneggers's full interview here.
Aline Spescha
