Food for Thoughts / Wood for Thoughts：Event Report

At the Nordic Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, a two-day event was held on September 24–25 focusing on Finland’s strengths in “food” and “forests.”

On the first day, September 24, discussions centered on sustainable food systems, exploring food culture and approaches to a circular society. The event introduced advanced Nordic initiatives in food sustainability and resource circulation, providing participants with a valuable opportunity to consider the future of food.

On the same day, a Memorandum of Cooperation in agriculture and forestry was signed between Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Sari Essayah, and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kenichi Shōji.

The following day, September 25, the focus shifted to agriculture and forestry, with discussions on realizing a society that coexists in harmony with forests.

Both Japan and Finland—nations where forests cover a large part of the land—have long maintained a deep relationship with their forests. By sharing a common vision for the circular economy and sustainable food systems, the two countries have now established a new framework for cooperation, marking an important step forward.

This event reaffirmed that the dual themes of “food” and “forests” hold the key to building a sustainable society for the future.