Retta Prontakänen, Press and Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of Finland in Japan

Republic of Finland
Finland is a Nordic country facing the Baltic Sea, surrounded by forests and lakes. Its capital is Helsinki. Its area is 338,000 square kilometers, slightly smaller than Japan. Its population is approximately 5.6 million. The official languages ​​are Finnish and Swedish. The currency is the euro. Finland has been ranked number one in the World Happiness Report for eight consecutive years since 2018. Alexander Stubb will serve as president from 2024.

Retta Prontakänen, Press and Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of Finland in Japan

▼What made you start working?

The reason I started my current job is because I have always had a strong interest in foreign countries and the people who live there. In the job of diplomacy, it is essential to be interested in foreign people and the world. This is because being a diplomat is not a job that allows you to remain indifferent to the outside world.
With this in mind, I went on to study at a university in the UK. There, I was involved in various planning and coordination as vice president of the Nordic Society, which also helped me to build a foundation as a diplomat. In addition to studying and working in the UK, I also had the opportunity to travel to Albania, Bosnia, Ukraine, Georgia, Belgium, and Serbia.
My experience living and working in many countries, including the United States, Japan, and the United States, has also served as the foundation for my career as a diplomat.

▼What is the appeal of Finland?

Finland has many attractive features, but one thing I'm particularly proud of is gender equality. The ratio of male to female ambassadors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is almost 50/50, and about half of the members of Parliament are women. This is an achievement that has been built over a long period of time, and we also have strong laws prohibiting gender discrimination, so equality is firmly rooted in our social institutions.
Another strength of Finland is its comprehensive education and welfare system. Education from preschool to university is free, and compulsory education continues until the age of 18. Finland has created an environment where young people can be themselves. These systems are a reflection of the nation's determination to focus tax money on education and welfare. I believe this sense of security is why Finland is called "the happiest country in the world."

▼About your country's culture

Finnish food culture values ​​the blessings of nature. With many lakes, there is an abundance of fish dishes, and many meals use forest berries and oats, with salmon soup being a typical home-cooked dish. And of course, the sauna is an essential part of the country. There are approximately 3 million saunas for a population of 5.6 million, enough for every citizen to use one at the same time. Saunas are a part of daily life for cleansing the body, and have also become established as spaces for healing the mind and body. Taking a sauna bath in a waterside cottage and then jumping into the sea or lake is a luxurious custom unique to Finland. There are many similarities with Japan's hot spring and public bath culture, so it's no wonder that saunas are so popular in Japan.
Finnish design is also internationally acclaimed. Finland shares a common culture of minimalism with Japan, and brands such as Iittala and Marimekko are popular in Japan. The embassy's space was also coordinated by design staff from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allowing visitors to experience "little Finland."

▼What I want to say to Japanese students

Learning a foreign language opens up new horizons for you. And venturing out into the world enriches your life. Studying abroad and experiencing it abroad is the perfect opportunity for personal growth. Take that first step.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on July 4, 2025 by Ayuki Erikawa, a first-year student at the University of Information, Management and Innovation

■Special information recommended by the counselor!!

Finland is also an attractive travel destination for young people. It has good public safety, abundant nature, and offers unique cultural experiences such as art exhibitions. My personal recommendations include the Flow Festival in Helsinki, the Moomin Museum in Tampere, and public saunas where you can experience everyday life in Finland. The vibrant Kallio district of Helsinki is bustling with trendy shops and bars. You're sure to love it!

Mai Wakao, third-year student at International Christian University; Karin Ishimatsu, third-year student at Tsuda University; Ayuki Erikawa, first-year student at Information, Management and Innovation University