The idea of the Finnish Institute in Japan was created in 1996. There was a need to create an institute with background supporters from universities, scientific and culture communities, towns and Finnish-Japanese friendship associations but also representatives of the business community. The Foundation of the Finnish Institute in Japan was registered on May 15th 1998 and it was founded by 33 different parties.
Jukka Viitanen 1998–2002
Katja Valaskivi 2002–2004
Heikki Mäkipää 2004–2011
Kauko Laitinen 2011–2014
Merja Karppinen 2014–2016
Kauko Laitinen 2016–2017
Anna-Maria Wiljanen 2018–2024
Jaakko Nousiainen 2025–
Annukka Klinge 1998–2001
Heli Lampi 2001–2007
Aarne Toivonen 2007–2011
Ulla Kinnunen 2011–2016
Kati Laakso 2016–2018
Pasi Järvinen 2018–2023
Jenna Tavasti 2024-2024
Nina Loimusalo-Lipiäinen 2024 –
Yrjö Sotamaa 1997–2003
Markku Löytönen 2004–2009
Matti Rautiola 2010–2016
Susanna Pettersson 2016–2019
Pirjo Hiidenmaa 2020–2021
Antti Ahlava 2022–2024
(Updated January 1st, 2024)
Professor, vice principal Antti Ahlava (Aalto University), Chairperson
Museum Director Marja Sakari (Ateneum Art Museum), Vice chairperson
Professor Olli Silvén (University of Oulu)
Professor Johanna Mäkelä (University of Helsinki)
Professor Reko Leino (Åbo Akademi University)
Professor Pirjo Hiidenmaa (University of Helsinki)
Representative of the board, Senior research funding advisor Tiia Saarinen (University of Arts Helsinki), secretary of the board
There are 29 parties (as per August 26th 2022) in the delegation of the foundation.
3-5-39 Minami-Azabu
Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8561 Japan
Open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
