During the Japanese Hanami festival, our guest authors will be two experts on Japanese literature and culture: Minna Eväsoja and Raisa Porrasmaa.

In her latest work, Minna Eväsoja, a researcher of Japanese aesthetics, shares the story of her years writing her PhD thesis in Japan and of her dear teacher, sensei. Sensei – oppilaana Kiotossa (2023 Gummerus) introduces the readers to Japanese painting, Noh theatre, the tea ceremony and the significance of gardens.

Translator Raisa Porrasmaa, in turn, discusses her latest translation of Emi Yagi, Venus ja minä (2025 Otava), and talks about translating Japanese and contemporary literature.

Minna Eväsoja and Raisa Porrasmaa will be interviewed by writer and journalist Esa Mäkijärvi.

Language: Finnish