Mimmit, a popular Finnish sister duo, is a Japan expert who once lived in Japan for a short time. We spoke to them about Finnish Christmas and music.

--How do you spend Christmas in your hometown, Finland?

The Christmas season in our hometown, Karelia, Finland, is a beautiful time of year, with snowy scenery. Our mother is a great cook and taught us crafts, so we used to decorate our house, prepare various dishes, and spend Christmas as a family. In Finland, Christmas is traditionally celebrated for three days: Christmas Eve on the 24th, Christmas Day on the 25th, and the following day, the 26th. Our family is a little unique; we had sushi on the 26th.

--Sushi in Finland?

Actually, I (Hanna-Mari, the younger sister) and my boyfriend lived in Koenji about 10 years ago, and I love sushi. Your sister, Paulina, also studied the koto for a few months at Tokyo University of the Arts about 20 years ago.

--When you came to Japan for your live performance, you played an instrument with a silhouette similar to that of a koto. What instrument is that?

The instrument you played, with koto-like strings slung over your shoulder, is a traditional Finnish instrument called a kantele.

--You two, Mimit, are singing "LETKIS JENKKA," the Mitsukoshi Isetan Group's Christmas campaign song this year. Can you tell us about your future plans?

Although your visit to Japan was short, only six days, your in-store performance at the Mitsukoshi Main Store in Nihonbashi was a lot of fun. Some of the audience members danced along to the songs, and the atmosphere was great. You'll be performing live the very next day after returning to Finland. You'll be performing for children.

--The Mimit members' costumes feature animal and floral motifs, reminiscent of traditional Finnish landscapes. Do you have any recommended Christmas songs?

One of my favorite Finnish Christmas songs is one that sings about animals celebrating Christmas.

[Mimmit Profile]
A sister duo consisting of Pauliina Lerche and Hannamari Luukkanen, who hail from Raakila in the Karelia region, an area where Finland's traditional culture remains strong. They are popular nationwide in Finland, with an animated TV show based on them even airing. During their latest visit to Japan, they visited Skytree, Asakusa, and Kappabashi, and Paulina told me that she bought a yukata as a souvenir for her daughter.