Theme Day at Osaka World Expo: ”Creative Ageing: Innovation, Culture, and Inclusion from Finland”

The Finnish Institute in Japan presents a full day of programming at the Nordic Pavilion, showcasing Finland’s leadership in creative aging — an approach that values older adults as active participants in cultural life and community.

Featuring contributions from the City of Helsinki, the cultural center KAAPELI, and a special performance by Timo the Magician, this event highlights how Finland is building inclusive futures through culture, technology, and international collaboration.

THE WHOLE PROGRAMME WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE NORDIC PAVILION!

Program Overview:

An Introduction Showcase to Creative Aging
Timo the Magician
A warm and imaginative performance exploring the possibilities of aging through creativity.

Keynote speech “International Creative Aging Network
– Go Global!”
Raisa Karttunen, Producer, KAAPELI
KAAPELI, a Finnish cultural organization, presents their international project promoting creative aging through global collaboration and cultural exchange.

Keynote speech “Helsinki – The Best City in the World for Older Persons”
Silva Siponkoski, Senior Planning Officer, City of Helsinki
How the Finnish capital is becoming a world leader in age-friendly urban planning and policy.

Keynote speech “City of Helsinki – Digital and Remote Cultural Services for Older People”
Riikka Mäkinen, Project Coordinator, City of Helsinki
How digital innovation is expanding access to culture for older adults, ensuring participation regardless of physical limitations.

THE WHOLE PROGRAMME WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE NORDIC PAVILION!

10:30 AM
Magic Across the Years: A Creative Aging Showcase (Conference Room SUMMER)
Performance by Timo Taikuri
11:30 AM
Keynotes by KAAPELI and the City of Helsinki (Conference Room SUMMER)
Speakers: Raisa Karttunen (KAAPELI, Producer), Silva Siponkoski (City of Helsinki, Senior Planning Officer), Riikka Mäkinen (City of Helsinki, Project Coordinator)
2:30 PM
Magic Across the Years: A Creative Aging Showcase (Conference Room SUMMER)
Performance by Timo Taikuri
3:00 PM
Keynotes by KAAPELI and the City of Helsinki (Conference Room SUMMER)
Speakers: Raisa Karttunen (KAAPELI, Producer), Silva Siponkoski (City of Helsinki, Senior Planning Officer), Riikka Mäkinen (City of Helsinki, Project Coordinator)
5:00 PM
Keynotes by KAAPELI and the City of Helsinki (Conference Room SUMMER)
Speakers: Raisa Karttunen (KAAPELI, Producer), Silva Siponkoski (City of Helsinki, Senior Planning Officer), Riikka Mäkinen (City of Helsinki, Project Coordinator)
6:00 PM
Magic Across the Years: A Creative Aging Showcase (Conference Room SUMMER)
Performance by Timo Taikuri

📺 Can’t make it in person? The event will be live streamed on our YouTube channel!