In summer 2009, the Nordic House arranges one of the most extensive presentations of contemporary Japan that Europe has seen in recent years. The high quality program is of great relevance for both Icelanders and foreign visitors in Reykjavik.

Alvar Aalto, the world famous Finnish architect who created the Nordic House, was inspired by  Japanese architecture and design. Likewise, Aalto and other Scandinavian designers have had a great influence on the development of modern Japan. This mutual fascination and inspiration constitutes the backdrop for the event.

Through this program, we want to present interesting similarities between our cultures, which are surprisingly plentiful despite the geographical distance. Two volcanic island nations with a strong sense of nature and its power-the light, the creativity, the richness of the oceans, the tales, the simplicity, the culture of bathing, and the rise and fall of economies creates a platform for comparison. We want to reflect on how these two nations sense isolation and endless horizons, the small and the vast, tradition and innovation and much more.

We wish you a warm welcome-Youkoso!

Max Dager

Director of the Nordic House