Sohei’s Helsinki: Art through the eyes of every generation
After nearly seven years of living in Helsinki, Sohei Yasui shares his joy from his work at Amos Rex, a thriving cultural institution, and in raising his children in a city that offers endless opportunities for creativity and connection.
Helsinki is a city where calmness meets boldness, and for Sohei Yasui, that balance is what makes it special. Growing up outside Tokyo, Sohei ended up in Helsinki almost 9 years ago as a result of his Finnish partner’s wish to live in the city again. After a while of adjusting to the city, Sohei has found happiness in Helsinki’s quiet streets, vibrant cultural spaces, and calm atmosphere – but it was not love at first sight.
“When I first arrived, the city felt super quiet. At first it felt a bit odd but over time I realized how much I appreciated that calmness. This city lets you have your own space,” he says.
Working as a Museum Technician at Amos Rex, Sohei spends his days setting up exhibitions that showcase some of the world’s most innovative art. From immersive media installations to bold contemporary pieces, his work connects him to the artistic heartbeat of the city.
“The art scene in Helsinki may not have the scale of London or New York, but the quality here is something different.“ Yasui explains.
And when the workday is done, Sohei finds joy in spending time with his children. As a father of two, Sohei is grateful to be raising a family in a city that nurtures the creativity of kids too.
“It’s amazing to see my kids exposed to art and culture at such a young age. They have free access to world-class exhibitions. It’s something I never had growing up.”He says and continues “Places like Oodi Library and museums like Amos Rex, Didrichsen Art Museum, Ateneum and Kiasma offer so much, for me and my children,” he says.
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Sohei’s
The pulse of a generation
Sohei’s role at Amos Rex involves focusing on audiovisual elements to create immersive experiences.
“Helsinki people are very open to new forms of art, like media art,” he explains. “It’s exciting to work in a place where art reflects our time, blending technology and creativity in ways that feel fresh but meaningful.”
One of his favorite projects is the Generation Exhibition, a biannual showcase of young Finnish artists.
“It’s incredible to see the work of artists as young as 15. Through their creations, you can learn so much about what young people in Finland are thinking and feeling — their hopes, fears, and dreams. It’s inspiring to see such boldness in their work.”
Sohei’s love for Amos Rex extends beyond the exhibitions. The museum’s collaborative and professional atmosphere has become a second home for him.
“It’s the best work environment I’ve ever been a part of. There’s a real sense of friendship and trust among the team, which makes me want to give back to my colleagues, to the museum, and ultimately to our visitors. That’s what keeps me motivated.”
Connecting through common ground
Outside of work, Sohei mentions Helsinki’s accessibility and natural beauty. He often spends his free time walking along the coast or simply exploring the city’s neighborhoods.
“Helsinki is amazing because you don’t need to plan much or spend a lot of money to have a great day. You can walk for 15 minutes and go from a museum, to the beach or even a forest. It’s all so close and easy to access.”
Sohei has also found a deep connection to Helsinki’s music scene. As a member of a quartet blending electronic and abstract sounds, Sohei sees his band as a mirror of the city’s multicultural energy.
“We’re all from different countries, Japan, Greece, Russia, and one from northern Finland, but we’ve found a common ground through music. It’s similar to what Helsinki is: a compact mix of cultures coming together.”
Visit Amos Rex and other museums Helsinki offers for groundbreaking exhibitions, explore the city’s accessible cultural landmarks, and immerse yourself in its calm energy.