Japan and Finland are marking a period of unprecedented closeness in their bilateral relationship. In this conversation with Bridges Magazine, Japanese Ambassador to Finland Takashi Okada reflects on the state of ties, areas of dynamic growth, and the shared values underpinning cooperation.
Bridges: The Finland–Japan relationship continues to grow in depth and scope. How would you describe the current state of bilateral relations, and what areas are seeing the most dynamic engagement today?
Takashi Okada: Over more than 100 years, Japan and Finland have enjoyed a very friendly and cordial relationship… our bilateral relationship has never been closer.
In recent years, our cooperation has expanded rapidly—from high-level political dialogue to advanced technology, defense, security, and business. I would list two areas: one is advanced technology and related economic areas; the other is defense and security… both countries are highly developed, industrialized economies with world-class technology and R&D capability.
Finland is often recognized for its innovation, sustainability, and high quality of life. From your perspective, what makes Finland a unique and reliable partner for Japan?
Working with Finland, with which we share fundamental values, is very easy. We can trust Finland… Japanese and Finnish people are not eloquent about their achievements, but when they promise, they deliver.
Finland’s strengths in research and its vibrant startup ecosystem are a natural match for Japan’s technological know-how, capital, and access to Asian markets. Together, we have a powerful platform for innovation-driven collaboration.
Finland’s strengths in research and its vibrant startup ecosystem are a natural match for Japan’s technological know-how, capital, and access to Asian markets. Together, we have a powerful platform for innovation-driven collaboration.
Takashi Okada, Japanese Ambassador to Finland
Last year marked the 105th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan. Reflecting on this milestone, what moments or achievements stand out as especially meaningful?
The 2016 joint statement truly raised the level of the bilateral relationship to a higher stage… for the first time defined this relationship as a strategic partnership based on shared values and interests.
It laid the groundwork for the 2025 joint statement issued by President Stubb and Prime Minister Ishiba last June. The 2025 statement puts strong emphasis on cooperation in defense and security, and it will guide our future engagement.
Are there any emerging sectors or collaborative initiatives you believe hold particular promise for the future of Finland–Japan cooperation?
There is cooperation between Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Finnish startup IQM on quantum computing, and ongoing cooperation between Japan’s RIKEN Center for Computational Science and Finland’s IT Center for Science, which runs one of Europe’s fastest supercomputers.
In defense, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force is procuring Finnish armored modular vehicles from Patria. These eight-by-eight vehicles will be license-produced by a Japanese company.
We’re also working together on sustainable mobility. Toyota and the city of Jyväskylä are running a social implementation experiment to transform public transportation into a hydrogen-based system, using hydrogen produced from Finland’s excess wind power.
As Japan and Finland navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, their partnership stands as a model of how shared values, mutual trust, and complementary strengths can translate into concrete achievements.
Finally, is there a message you would like to share with our readers in Japan and globally?
Even though I today focused on technology, security, and defense, Finland is known for its soft power—welfare society, advanced education, design, architecture, booming civilian sauna. On the Finnish side, there is growing admiration for Japanese culture and tradition.
Helsinki is the nearest European capital from Japan and I hope even more Japanese people visit Finland and forge friendships with the Finnish people.
As Japan and Finland navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, their partnership stands as a model of how shared values, mutual trust, and complementary strengths can translate into concrete achievements. From pioneering quantum research and sustainable energy to defense and cultural exchange, the two nations continue to build a relationship defined not only by strategic cooperation—but by deep mutual respect.
