UEF Forest Sciences Delegation in Japan: Insights from the 2nd Akita Symposium
Text: Satu Helenius, Isabel Muñoz Hidalgo, Katri Rusanen
Photos: Satu Helenius, Isabel Muñoz Hidalgo, Jussi Taipale
At the end of this past September, representatives from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), from the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology together with Natural Resource Institute LUKE, Regional Council of North Karelia, and several of our most innovative entrepreneurs, had the incredible opportunity to travel to Akita Prefecture, a northern Japan’s green heart and region most known for its rice fields and Akita dogs. While the vibrant autumn colours (koyo) were still a few weeks away, the warm, sunny weather provided a bright and welcoming backdrop for our delegation’s visit.
On the first morning, the delegates followed two parallel programmes. UEF School of Forest Sciences representatives visited Akita International University (AIU) for discussions aimed at exploring opportunities for student exchange programmes and future research collaboration between UEF and AIU. Meanwhile, the other part of the delegation met with officials at the Akita Prefectural Office and paid a courtesy call on Governor Kenta Suzuki. The meeting highlighted shared interests in forest-based regional revitalisation and underscored the similarities in natural environments between Finland’s North Karelia and Japan’s Akita Prefecture. Its significance was further reflected in local media coverage.
Continuing Collaboration from the First Symposium
Following the morning’s programme of institutional visits and regional cooperation discussions, our delegation participated in the 2nd Symposium on Akita–North Karelia Collaboration. The event, organised by Akita COI-NEXT, brought together Finnish and Japanese partners focusing on forest-based value creation and developing cross-regional entrepreneurship ecosystems, building on the academic foundation and networks established during the first symposium in March 2025. The symposium reinforced the idea that the forests are a foundation for cultural identity, innovative enterprise, and international collaboration. By sharing models from Finland and Japan, the participants demonstrated pathways for creating vibrant, sustainable rural societies grounded in forest-based value creation.
Excursion to Gojome Town
On the second day, the delegation visited Gojome Town for a field excursion under the theme The Future of Our Region Seen Through Small Businesses– The Gojome Town Morning Market for the Next Decade. We had the opportunity to tour the Gojome Morning Market and its surrounding facilities, gaining first-hand insights into how local commerce supports rural vitality. The programme continued with a networking lunch at Pokopoko Kitchen in BABAME BASE, where the menu featured bear curry with a nod to Akita’s natural heritage, known for its bears and the famed Akita dogs.
The afternoon Souzou-no-mori Conference included guest presentations from entrepreneurs and Gojome market initiative pioneers, crosstalk, and open discussions. In the workshop session, our Finland Team actively contributed ideas to revitalise the Gojome Morning Market, focusing on creative ways to attract more visitors through enhanced experiences, innovative product offerings, and deeper community engagement. Hopefully, in the future, there will be a Finnish sauna in the Gojome Market.
The journey continues in Joensuu
About a month after our return to Joensuu, the collaboration has continued here at UEF. Japanese students from Akita International University and Ryukoku University presented their institutions at an event aimed at enhancing student exchange opportunities among forestry students. Our students gained an insight into the universities and had the opportunity to learn about the significance of spiritual perspectives on forests in the Japanese context.
The collaboration between North Karelia and Akita partners will continue within the BIOSYS and InnocityUEF 3 projects, as well as through Forest Joensuu activities, further strengthening research, education, and entrepreneurship in forest‑based value creation. We are now preparing to welcome a delegation from Akita at the beginning of November. The visit, organised by the Akita Prefectural Government and the Labour Department, will include meetings in North Karelia and a visit to UEF. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts.
We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Katsuhiko Takata and the Akita COI-NEXT Souzou-no-mori Project, Akita International University, Akita Prefectural University, the Akita Prefectural Government and all symposium organisers and participants for their warm hospitality and valuable exchange of ideas.
