Finland’s Oldest Café-Bakery Ekberg Opens Permanent Outlet in Tokyo
Finland’s oldest café, bakery, and confectionery, Ekberg, is expanding its operations to Japan with a permanent sales point in Tokyo. The outlet will open on July 15 at the Isetan Shinjuku department store, marking the first Finnish bakery on the store’s premium food floor. The takeaway counter will offer Finnish classics such as korvapuusti (cinnamon buns) and voisilmäpulla (butter-eye buns), operating under a licensing model to ensure authenticity.
Ekberg’s leadership, including board chair Martin Tkaczick, production manager Hannes Toppi, and operational director Saila Vuori, traveled to Japan to train local bakers, emphasizing the importance of replicating the Finnish experience. Iltalehti reports that the company has long been a favorite among Japanese travelers, frequently featured in travel guides as a must-visit Helsinki destination. The expansion builds on decades of cultural exchange, including baking courses and pop-up events in Japan.
The initiative was spearheaded by Kiyomi Yuminamochi, the buyer for Isetan Shinjuku’s Western bakery section, who described Ekberg as the ideal partner to showcase Finnish food culture. Yle adds that the collaboration with Japan has been developing for 40 years, with growing demand for Finnish baked goods. Tkaczick noted that Japanese customers have shown particular interest in cinnamon buns and butter-eye buns, with many asking why Ekberg’s products were not already available in the country.
Adjustments were made to the recipes to accommodate local ingredients, ensuring the taste remains consistent with the original Finnish versions. Yle highlights that Ekberg’s product manager traveled to Japan to refine the recipes, addressing differences in flour and other components. The outlet aims to stand out among international brands from France, Italy, and the U.S., filling a gap in Nordic representation.
Reactions in Finland have been positive, with customers at Ekberg’s Helsinki flagship store expressing enthusiasm for the expansion. Eevi Seppänen, a visitor from Turku, told Yle she was pleased that Finnish treats would reach a global audience. Ekberg, founded in 1852, remains a landmark in Helsinki, operating its main location on Bulevardi.
The Isetan Shinjuku department store, part of a chain established in 1886, is the flagship of the Isetan brand, which has locations across Asia. Ekberg joins other Helsinki-based cafés in Japan, including Café Aalto, which opened a Tokyo branch last year (Helsingin Sanomat).