13.-14.9.2025
Nordic Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka
Open to all Expo visitors
Hosted by the Finnish Institute in Japan at the Nordic Pavilion
Relationship with forests is an important part of Finnish identity and deeply tied with wellbeing.
Come and see documentary films, as well as audiovisual works inspired by Finnish nature.
Immerse yourself in Finnish nature and experience the magic of Lapland through AistiSiimes multisensory wellbeing space.
Tickets for films are available 1 hour before screenings at the entrance.
The films have Japanese subtitles.
SUMMER
10.00-10.45 Ääniä – Finland’s official soundscape by Lauri Porra
10:45-11:25 Audiovisual Landscapes from Central Finland
11.30-13.00 Into the Forest I Go, documentary film (2017), director Anu Kuivalainen. Japanese subtitles!
LUNCH BREAK Ääniä – Finland’s official soundscape by Lauri Porra
14:00-14:25 Audiovisual Landscapes from Central Finland
14.30-16:00 Once Upon a Time in a Forest, documentary film (2024), director Virpi Suutari. Japanese subtitles!
16:15-17:50 Into the Forest I Go, documentary film (2017), director Anu Kuivalainen. Japanese subtitles!
WINTER
11.00-18.00 AistiSiimes – Multisensory wellbeing space for relaxing in the immersive magic of Finnish Lapland. 3-4 visitors at a time, max 8 minutes.
91 min / 2017 / Director: Anu Kuivalainen / JP subs
Into the Forest I Go (2017) is a documentary film by Anu Kuivalainen. It tells ten stories about forest as the landscapes of the Finnish soul. The film explores whether Finns’ relationship with the forest has changed. Forest users, forest owners, conservationists, cottage owners, hunters, berry pickers, artists, and those seeking peace of mind share their views on what the forest means to them. The film also examines the current state, management, and use of forests.
Anu Kuivalainen began working as a documentary film maker in the early 1990s. Her films have been screened at international film festivals, and she has won awards in both Finland and abroad.
93 minutes / 2024 / Director: Virpi Suutari / JP subs
Once Upon a Time in a Forest (2024) unfolds as a modern fairy tale in the enchanting embrace of the Finnish forest. We witness young people seamlessly woven into the fabric of nature, swimming in crystalline lakes and reveling in the calm presence of the ancient trees. This idyllic harmony is imperiled as the forest faces man-made extinction. Driven by her love for the forest, 22-year-old Ida becomes the leader of the new Foret Movement, coming face to face with Finnish forest industry giants and confronting generational bias. Breathtaking visuals take viewers into the heart of the forest and the center of the conflict. The film is a hopeful ode to nature and its protectors.
Virpi Suutari (1967) is an award-winning filmmaker known for her personal cinematic style and emotional storytelling. She has won the Jussi Award (Finnish Academy Award) three times. This film has also been nominated for Best Documentary at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival. She visited in Japan as a guest for the opening screening of ‘Entrepreneur’ at the 2018 Finnish Film Festival. In 2023, movie ‘Aalto’ by Virpi Suutari was released in Japan.
AistiSiimes is a unique space where art, nature, and all your senses meet. Rooted in science and proven to enhance wellbeing, it offers a gentle reset in the middle of a busy Expo day—an inspiring space for recovery, connection, and creativity. Families can immerse themselves in the enchantment of pure Lapland winter nights through all senses. Let your imagination flow!
Landscapes, nature sounds and music from Central Finland.
Heidi Ilves, music, lyrics, singing
Juha Kujanpää, music
Juho Jäppinen, videos and video editing
Sami Lehto, sound technician
(Sounding Landscapes project, Jamk University of Applied Sciences)
info@finstitute.jp
Puhelin: +81 (0)3 5447 6037
3-5-39 Minami-Azabu
Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8561 Japan
Avoinna arkisin klo 9.00-17.00
