Photo 河野　卓

It's very hard to move with heavy baggage in Japan. Everybody experienced big hustle to go to the airport. There are many meaningless stairs here and there. But Helsinki is bit different, somehow much more comfortable, even we don't notice outstanding difference. May be the secret is everything is designed in human being oriented, there is no design for designs. Two door knobs on upper and lower position, wider passage, seamless floors. Everything is simple and modest, but friendly for human being. You will feel Finnish design centering human being unified with kind Finnish people including helpful taxi drivers at any time. Recommended design spots in Helsinki are Caf Aalto at Akademia book store and design district surrounding Design Forum Finland. Remember, the best part of sightseeing in Helsinki is walking around. Sigeyoshi Noto, MEK / Finnish Tourist Board