Moi you! We are letting you in on a little secret, or actually 6

..another midsummer dance around the pole together? Yes please! Suomi Secrets to be revealed…

Just like a year ago during the darkest time of November, we moved our Kelkkaprojekti workstation to the lakeside in Satakunta and shifted ourselves to Japan time, so we were ready to support our Japanese partner as they brought the concept born in our minds into reality. This time, we revealed to our guests the secrets that once again this year make us Finns the happiest people in the world. Nature, silence, friends, sauna, design, and crafting. Happy Like a Finn starts from these building blocks!

The experience began under a forest-themed flower arch. The pavilion was divided into three areas: the cobblestone streets of Helsinki were recalled, and small stones were painted into a pocket-sized lucky charm, in the colors of Helsinki. Of course, the stone could be taken along, and the idea was that this “happy mascot stone” would accompany daily life and remind of Helsinki’s happiness and design. In addition, of course, the streets of Helsinki were cycled, with vegetables from the Market Square in the basket and the sounds of seagulls and traffic echoing in the ears.

In the archipelago landscape, happy thoughts were contemplated and shared into a communal, daily growing installation, and life wisdoms of the familiar residents of Moominworld were learned. Making a flower decoration for oneself or a friend reminded guests of the midsummer euphoria and the possibilities of the archipelago.

Forest, cottage, and Mölkky perfectly encapsulated the main attractions of Lakeland Finland. The sauna atmosphere was achieved by making one’s own fragrant sauna scrub to take along, and the shouts of joy experienced in the whirls of the Mölkky game reportedly echoed in the middle of the green forest. In the tent sauna, one could also sense the real sauna atmosphere with scents and a live sauna connection.

The postcard writing, which became a surprising hit last year, was popular again – when writing on a card, one thinks of the most beautiful thoughts for a friend, or even for oneself! The cards were delivered to Finland, and here Kelkkaprojekti’s own post office affixes special stamps to them and sends them with a Finnish postmark to their recipients.

Finland’s own secrets with authentic things took guests on an experiential journey to Finland. We were also on a journey, albeit in a slightly different way. The dark forest opened up to all senses during morning walks. These morning walks in Tokyo time were a way to keep our eyes open in the time of our destination country 🙂 When damp spruce branches hit my chin a few times, I felt like I wanted to convey this November atmosphere there too – this atmosphere is also one of a kind Suomi Secret! Thanks again to the whole family and acquaintances for all the strange answers and questions, to the open-minded partners for quick moves, and to the brave client for another shared experience!

It was a great pleasure to work with Heidi and Sisse for the second time now during Visit Finland’s travel week in Tokyo. The event’s wonderful, inventive activities and the concept as a whole seemed to have improved even further from last year’s already unique whole. The cooperation between Finland and Japan was seamless and pleasant despite the challenges caused by corona and remote collaboration. Both customers and the organizing party were able to enjoy a wonderful Finnish experience in the middle of Tokyo thanks to Kelkkaprojekti! Noora Sirola, Business Development Specialist, Business Finland Tokyo