"Finland National Day" Event report
Welcoming the President and First Lady of Finland, with sauna, Santa Claus, Moomins, and a dazzling blend of fashion and performance
On June 12, 2025, the Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka – jointly presented by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – hosted its final National Day in the Nordic series: Finland National Day. Under the theme “Happiness Day of Finland”, the day showcased Finland’s sustainable lifestyle and rich cultural identity through a series of special programs.
■ Morning Ceremony at the Lake Garden
The official opening ceremony was held the National Day Hall “Ray Garden,” featuring the President of Finland, Mr. Alexander Stubb. President Stubb addressed the audience, speaking on the essence of Finnish happiness:
“The recipe for Finnish happiness lies in equality, trust, and a sense of meaning. But most importantly, it is about continuously striving toward these values. Many Finns feel content and comfortable in their lives. Without meaning, true happiness is hard to find. Whether it’s nature, forests, lakes, the archipelago, or a well-functioning society—each of us finds meaning in our own way. I believe many Finns, wherever they are, live a life filled with purpose.”
Minister of State for Expo Affairs, Mr. Yoshitaka Ito, delivered remarks on behalf of the Japanese government, highlighting the long-standing friendship between Finland and Japan, the popularity of Finnish culture in Japan—particularly sauna and well-being—and recent milestones such as the introduction of the working holiday program.
Adding to the joy of the morning, the beloved Moomin and Little My made a special appearance, delighting the audience. Then, Tuuletar, a world-renowned Finnish a cappella group, captivated attendees with a powerful vocal performance, followed by a special appearance by Käärijä, the Eurovision 2023 sensation, who energized the crowd with his signature stage presence.
■ Seminar: “Sustainable Lifestyle – Nordic Style”
In the afternoon, the Finnish Textile & Fashion Association hosted a panel discussion and networking event within the Nordic Pavilion. Titled “Sustainable Lifestyle – Nordic Style”, the seminar brought together leaders from both Finland and Japan to discuss the role of fashion and textiles in advancing sustainability.
Speakers included business leaders and researchers who offered cross-sector perspectives on values and initiatives shared between the two countries. The forum closed with remarks from Mr. Ville Tavio, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development:
“Today, I’m honored to speak about creating a better future for fashion. Finland has many sustainable innovations in the textile industry. One of our ‘magical secrets’ lies in materials—including wood-based fibers, recycled content, and certified fabrics. These innovations extend beyond materials to the design and use of fashion itself. For Finnish companies, circular economy is at the heart of their mission. They are not just making products—they are transforming society. They show us that fashion can be beautiful, functional, and responsible.”
■ Official Visit to the Japan Pavilion and Nordic Pavilion
Following a visit to the Japan Pavilion, President Stubb and the First Lady were welcomed at the Nordic Pavilion by government representatives from all five Nordic countries, Finnish guides, and even the Moomin. The couple was warmly greeted, and enjoyed a guided tour of the exhibits in both Finnish and English, with heartfelt reactions from the guides and guests alike.
■ A Celebration of Finnish Culture for All Visitors
Throughout the day, general visitors also had the chance to experience Finnish culture firsthand.
The official Santa Claus from Finland’s Santa Claus Foundation made a special appearance, drawing excited crowds eager for photos and conversation. His early arrival, kind smile, and festive spirit brought joy to visitors of all ages.
Another cultural highlight was the outdoor exhibit of the Kirami FinVision® Zero sauna, presented by Finnish sauna company Harvia. As a nation with 3.3 million saunas for a population of 5.4 million, Finland’s deep connection to sauna culture was proudly showcased. The sleek and sustainable design of the Kirami sauna turned heads and gave guests a “future of well-being” moment—even just from the outside.
■ Evening Show: “Party Like a Finn – Rock & Fashion”
The day concluded with a spectacular evening show titled “Party Like a Finn – Rock & Fashion” at the Ray Garden stage, combining rock music and cutting-edge Nordic fashion.
The first half of the show featured a runway presentation with three themes:
Urban Wellbeing, Unique Classics, and New Environment, showcasing sustainable fashion brands from Finland. Backed by a live performance from Tuuletar, the show blended sound and style into a powerful expression of Finnish creativity.
The second half saw the return of Käärijä, who reignited the stage with his vibrant green outfit and high-energy performance. The final act, “Cha Cha Cha,” turned the entire venue into a full-on Finnish-style celebration—filled with cheers, rhythm, and unity.
With Finland National Day, the Nordic Pavilion wrapped up its five-part National Day series. Under the shared vision of “Towards a Better Future Together,” each country offered visitors a unique glimpse into their values, innovations, and culture.
It was a meaningful journey of connection, celebration, and shared inspiration — and there’s more still to come.