HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS TAKAMADO VISITED FINLAND

Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado was invited to visit Finland from 30th June to 5th July 2010 by the President of Finland, Tarja Halonen. President Halonen and Princess Takamado are the honorary presidents of the Japan- Finland Programme 2007-2011 by the Finnish Institute in Japan.

Princess Takamado and President Jorma Mattinen at the dinner hosted by Åbo Akademi. ©FIJ

During her first day of the visit, Princess Takamado was introduced to the historical old town of Porvoo. The evening was perfected by a concert from Avanti!-orchestra during the Porvoo Summer Sounds festival, where compositions of Toshi Ichiyanagi, Beethoven and Schubert were performed. The orchestra was conducted by Yasuo Shinozaki. The audience enjoyed the musical atmosphere created by modern and classical music in the crowded cathedral of Porvoo.

Academy Professor Mart Saarma introduces his laboratory to Princess Takamado at the University of Helsinki. ©FIJ

Princess Takamado also visited the University of Helsinki to familiarize herself with the leading research in various scientific fields as well as to discuss about the Finnish educational system with the Minister of Education Henna Virkkunen. The program also included an introduction to the activities of the Finnish Red Cross, elderly care, and environmental protection of the Baltic Sea as well as the Ikebana and Kyudo hobbies in Helsinki. As a keen nature lover and as an honorable Chairman of the Bird Life International, Princess Takamado photographed birds at sunrise with a guide from the Finnish Bird Life. The Princess also visited the home museum of Jean Sibelius in Ainola, the house of Alvar Aalto and the Ateneum Art Museum. The numerous artistic and scientific connections between Japan and Finland illustrated the current and historical cooperation between the two countries.

The diverse program also included an introduction to Finnish design in Fiskars. In Turku the medieval market illustrated how people lived in the 14th century. The visitors enjoyed a marine lunch inside the museum ship Finnish Swan. The old academy house of Turku offered a festive setting for the dinner organized by Åbo Academy, during which the students gave a sample of the academic singing tradition.

In her last day in Finland, Princess Takamado visited the summer house of President Tarja Halonen in Kultaranta, Naantali. Princess Takamado and President Halonen discussed about the problems of the aging population in both countries, educational and science programs, as well as culture and arts, which is a fond hobby for both of them. As a souvenir from Finland, President Halonen gave Princess Takamado Kalevala Koru jewelry and a glass bird designed by Oiva Toikka.

Princess Takamado at Turku Medieval Market. ©FIJ