TOKYO, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Helsinki and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government today signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen and deepen cooperation between the two cities. The memorandum was signed in Tokyo by Mayor of Helsinki Daniel Sazonov and Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko. Signing takes place as Helsinki’s Mayor leads one of the city’s largest delegations to Japan in recent years.
The co-operation agreement builds on the cooperation the two cities have developed in recent years. It sets out a framework for practical exchange and cooperation in seven areas: startups, innovation and industry; longevity; children and childcare; education; digitalisation and AI; disaster preparedness and urban resilience; and culture and entertainment. The aim is to make the relationship benefit residents of both Helsinki and Tokyo.
"Helsinki and Tokyo face many of the same questions, from how we care for children and an ageing population to how we can boost new innovations, businesses and make use of AI. Our two capitals have worked together closely in recent years and the signing of this memorandum of understanding gives our cooperation a clear structure and a shared agenda. I am really looking forward to deepening our practical collaboration through this agreement and turning it into benefits for the people of Helsinki and Tokyo", says Daniel Sazonov, Mayor of Helsinki.
A week of business and culture in Tokyo
The signing coincides with one of Helsinki’s most significant business and cultural delegations to Tokyo in recent years. Mayor Sazonov is accompanied by a major business delegation bringing together leading partners from Helsinki’s culture, travel, food, health, startup and audiovisual sectors. Starting on 13 October, Helsinki will take over Tokyo with a week-long programme of more than 20 events, creating opportunities for business, investment, cultural exchange and new partnerships.
The visit coincides with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra’s tour of Asia, which begins in Japan and continues to South Korea. Together, the new co-operation agreement, the business delegation and the orchestra demonstrate the breadth of the relationship Helsinki wants to develop with Japan, spanning business, investment, tourism, innovation and culture.
"The scale and diversity of this delegation shows Helsinki’s great interest in building new partnerships in Tokyo and Japan. I see genuine potential in Japan in many of Helsinki’s strongest sectors. We want to build on this momentum and create new connections and opportunities that benefit both Helsinki and Tokyo", Mayor Sazonov says.
Building opportunities in both directions
Japan is an important market for Helsinki, not only for internationalisation but also for investment attraction. The visit brings Helsinki-based companies together with Japanese businesses, investors and other key partners, while showcasing Helsinki as a European base for companies seeking opportunities in innovation, R&D and international growth. The ambition is twofold: to create new opportunities for Helsinki-based companies in Japan while strengthening Helsinki’s long-term efforts to attract Japanese companies and foreign direct investment to the city.
"For successful FDI work, it is essential that Helsinki is known and recognised internationally. We need to actively tell Helsinki’s story and build its reputation – not only among companies and investors, but also among international talent and visitors. These audiences are closely connected: a city that attracts people, ideas and attention is also a more compelling place for companies to invest and grow. Japan is an important market for us, and this visit gives us a great opportunity to strengthen Helsinki’s visibility and relationships across all these groups," adds Clarisse Berggårdh, CEO of Helsinki Partners.
"International companies and investments are vital to Helsinki’s future growth and competitiveness. Japan has world-leading companies and expertise in several areas that align closely with Helsinki’s strengths. By building stronger connections now, we are creating opportunities for new investments, partnerships and jobs in Helsinki in the years ahead," concludes Marja-Leena Rinkineva, Director of Economic Development at the City of Helsinki.
More information about the Helsinki week and Helsinki-Tokyo co-operation:
Laura Uuttu-Deschryvere, Head of International Affairs, City of Helsinki
laura.uuttu-deschryvere@hel.fi
Interview requests for the Mayor of Helsinki:
Oskari Heinonen, Special Advisor to the Mayor, City of Helsinki
oskari.heinonen@hel.fi
General inquiries and media requests:
Sara Jäntti, Senior Manager, PR & Communications
Helsinki Partners
+358 40 8377496
sara.jantti@helsinkipartners.com
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Leena Karppinen Tokyo Helsinki MOU 13 10 2026 |
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