Bridge by Candlelight

Ryota Itoh

Welcome to Bridge by Candlelight, the podcast that invites you to pause, exhale, and discover the gentle glow of cultural connection. Grounded in WAFIN’s “10-Minute Healing” philosophy, each short yet immersive episode explores the soothing world of Japanese craftsmanship, Finnish design, and the timeless art of simple living. Tune in once a week for tranquil stories and hidden histories—like the flickering warmth of Warosoku candles or the intricate care behind handmade traditions. Join us as we celebrate the artisans, designers, and creatives who bring quiet beauty into our everyday lives. Our podcast is mainly comprised of four types of sub-series: ・Core of the Craft: In-depth exploration of traditional crafts, their detailed processes, and the challenges artisans face. ・Culture Bridge: Examining cultural topics from diverse global perspectives and sharing our unique insights. ・Creative Voices: Conversations with artists whose work aligns with our values, diving into their creative vision. ・Craft Stories: Sharing short stories centered around traditional crafts, based on true events and folklore. And also their histories, and tips for experiencing them firsthand. Whether you’re lighting a candle or sipping your morning coffee, let Bridge by Candlelight be your moment to slow down, reflect, and step into a space of shared inspiration. Let’s build a bridge between cultures, one heartfelt story at a time. #CandlelightStories #CulturalExchange #JapaneseCraftsmanship #FinnishDesign #SlowLiving

  1. Jun 23

    #14: Culture Bridge: Nordic Midsummer in Tokyo

    What exactly are "the Nordics"? And why is Midsummer such an important celebration across Northern Europe? In this episode of Bridge by Candlelight, Ryota reflects on the recent Scandinavian Midsummer Days event at Volvo Studio Tokyo and explores the deeper cultural traditions behind one of the Nordic region's most beloved seasonal celebrations. From Sweden's flower crowns and maypole dances to Finland's lakeside saunas and bonfires, discover how each Nordic country celebrates the arrival of summer in its own unique way. Along the way, we'll uncover the stories behind cinnamon rolls, Fika culture, pickled herring, Mölkky, Nordic folk music, and the values that connect them all. Inspired by conversations with visitors during the event—including questions like "What exactly are the Nordics?" and "Why is Midsummer such a big deal?"—this episode explores how traditions centered around light, community, food, and nature continue to resonate today. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, settle into a comfortable chair, and join us as we journey beyond the stereotypes to discover what Nordic Midsummer really means. Topics include: • Nordic vs Scandinavian culture • Midsummer traditions across Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland • Fika and Nordic coffee culture • Cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns • Pickled herring and seasonal food traditions • Mölkky and community-centered play • Reflections from Scandinavian Midsummer Days in Tokyo

  2. Apr 12

    #12 Creative Voices: Dr. Anna-Maria Wiljanen

    In this installment of our Creative Voices sub-series, we are joined by Dr. Anna-maria Wiljanen, a prominent cultural leader who spent seven years as the Director of the Finnish Institute in Japan before stepping into her current role as Director of the Didrichsen Art Museum in Helsinki. Together, we explore the profound and unique mindset shared between Finland and Japan. Where silence at the dinner table is a form of comfort rather than awkwardness, and where a deep appreciation for nature and minimalism shapes the visual arts. Dr. Wiljanen reflects on her time in Tokyo, from high-tech AI seminars and the Tom of Finland exhibition to the beloved Amimmono (knitting) club and the famous crayfish parties that sold out in minutes. We also step inside the Didrichsen Art Museum in Helsinki, a remarkable space she describes as “an artwork within an artwork.” She shares the visionary legacy of the museum’s founders and the meaning behind the new sculpture The Enlightenment by Lorenzo Quinn, which stands as a symbol of the museum’s future. Finally, we explore her recently published book on Finnish well-being and women’s empowerment. She reminds us that we are not robots, and that true balance comes from finding small moments of rest and joy in our everyday lives. As a first step toward positive transformation, she offers a simple yet powerful message: “Trust and love yourself.” Whether you are winding down for the evening or starting your day with a cup of coffee, join us as we bridge the distance between Helsinki and Tokyo through the power of art and human connection. Together, let’s inspire one another—and make tomorrow just a little more colorful than today.

About

Welcome to Bridge by Candlelight, the podcast that invites you to pause, exhale, and discover the gentle glow of cultural connection. Grounded in WAFIN’s “10-Minute Healing” philosophy, each short yet immersive episode explores the soothing world of Japanese craftsmanship, Finnish design, and the timeless art of simple living. Tune in once a week for tranquil stories and hidden histories—like the flickering warmth of Warosoku candles or the intricate care behind handmade traditions. Join us as we celebrate the artisans, designers, and creatives who bring quiet beauty into our everyday lives. Our podcast is mainly comprised of four types of sub-series: ・Core of the Craft: In-depth exploration of traditional crafts, their detailed processes, and the challenges artisans face. ・Culture Bridge: Examining cultural topics from diverse global perspectives and sharing our unique insights. ・Creative Voices: Conversations with artists whose work aligns with our values, diving into their creative vision. ・Craft Stories: Sharing short stories centered around traditional crafts, based on true events and folklore. And also their histories, and tips for experiencing them firsthand. Whether you’re lighting a candle or sipping your morning coffee, let Bridge by Candlelight be your moment to slow down, reflect, and step into a space of shared inspiration. Let’s build a bridge between cultures, one heartfelt story at a time. #CandlelightStories #CulturalExchange #JapaneseCraftsmanship #FinnishDesign #SlowLiving