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Contact Information:

The Finnish Institute in Japan
3-5-39, Minami-Azabu
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8561
URL: www.finstitute.gr.jp

Past Alumni Events

Kuva

Kick-off Gathering on 2 February 2008

On 2 Feb, we had the very first kick-off gathering of FJAN at the Embassy of Finland, in Tokyo.

First, Ambassador Mr. Jorma Julin welcomed all the alumni members and gave a lecture on the current situation of Finland and the future prospect of the relationship between Finland and Japan. After that Dr. Heikki Mäkipää, Director of the Finnish Institute in Japan introduced the variety of alumni activities in the world.

Then Mr. Seppo Kimanen, new counselor for press and culture, offered a marvelous music experience. Besides his assignment here in Tokyo, he is a distinguished cello player and well-known also as the founder of Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival in Finland.

Then all the alumni members present were introduced to start the discussion. The aim of this discussion was to "brainstorm" the main activities of this network.

Discussion moderated by Ms. Ai Takase, Research project manager of the Finnish Institute in Japan, started with an interesting idea of organizing funny events in Finland such as "mobile phone throwing contest" or "carrying your wife contest".

The participants were full of wonderful ideas and wishes; unique ones, practical ones and nostalgic ones. After enjoying the buffet and chatting with other members and Embassy and Institute staff, Dr. Mäkipää concluded the gathering with the summary of coming events and activities:

To be realized when a suitable occasion occurs:

  • Mini seminars with special topics*1
  • Organizing seminars when Finnish CEO visits Japan *2
  • Offering Help for future alumni
  • Articles on experiences in Finland (possibly published in Suomi magazine?)

*1 there was a discussion of creating subgroups or categories within alumni network. But with over 60 members, it might be too soon to divide alumni into smaller groups. So we can have mini-seminars with special topics in order to gather alumni interested in the same topic.

*2 In order to offer alumni an opportunity to contact Finnish companies.

To be further considered:

  • mailing list or BBS for the members only
  • employment opportunity (job market) possibly with Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Japan
  • Possibly Events with the Finnish Tourist Board
  • Q&A BBS for the members > discuss with the Embassy, if the alumni questions differ from general questions

We are planning to have a seminar for Japanese who wish to study in Finland on 27 March 2008. We will send you the invitation when the details are confirmed!


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