France-Finland deligation
From Japan, Europe may appear unified—as though it speaks with one voice. But once you’re here, it’s clear that each country has its own distinct culture, its own language, and often a very different way of thinking. Even neighbouring countries can differ quite dramatically. And that, really, is part of what makes Europe so fascinating.
The EU may have a shared growth strategy—think of the “European Green Deal”—but in practice, each country’s interpretation, approach and progress vary widely. One thing that really struck me on this trip was how sustainability in France tends to incorporate strong social elements—diversity, inclusion, and a kind of historical reckoning. While these are undoubtedly important, I was also left wondering how France is truly addressing the legacy of its colonial past. And in cities like Paris, if you take a closer look beyond the picturesque façades, you’ll notice signs of decay and social disparity. Medium-sized regional cities in France, too, seem to be struggling quite a bit—something that felt quite different from the situation in the Nordics or the Netherlands.
By contrast, the Nordic countries appear to be doing rather well at the moment. The post-COVID recovery is tangible—you can feel the energy even on a short visit. Prices, though, are astonishingly high. That said, while the Nordics may appear homogenous from a Japanese perspective, they’re quite distinct from one another. Finland, for example, arguably feels the least typically Nordic in some respects. Prices there aren’t as steep, and culturally, there’s a certain quiet modesty that feels surprisingly familiar—almost Japanese, you might say. There’s something reserved and understated about the Finnish character that creates a strong sense of affinity. Finland is also incredibly Japan-friendly, with direct flights and slightly closer proximity to Japan than continental Europe. So yes, I completely understand why so many Japanese people have a soft spot for Finland.
Interestingly, though, within the EU—and even within the Nordics—Finland tends to fly under the radar. Its presence is relatively low-key, something worth bearing in mind.
In any case, beyond these broad impressions of each country, I was able to have some truly meaningful meetings in each place. There may be something exciting to report in the not-too-distant future, so please stay tuned.
-The photos, by the way, are simply random scenes from Paris—not directly related to the text.
