Spotlight on Pive Toivonen in Sauna-lehti

Sauna lehti

The latest issue of Sauna-lehti, a Finnish magazine specialized in sauna, features an insightful article on Pive Toivonen, who has earned the title of “sauna artist” through her unique approach to sauna design and art. The article explores her journey from a passionate creator to an internationally recognized figure, particularly highlighting her successful ventures in Japan, where she has published a book and held exhibitions that celebrate Finnish sauna culture.

article in Sauna-lehti

Toivonen’s work often incorporates animal figures, and the article delves into her thoughtful selection process, revealing how these motifs connect with Finnish heritage and nature. Each piece is infused with meaning, reflecting the deep relationship between the sauna experience and the natural world.

This feature not only showcases Toivonen’s artistic accomplishments but also mentions her role in bridging cultures through sauna art. Readers will discover how her innovative vision continues to inspire and elevate the traditional sauna experience, making her a pivotal figure in contemporary Finnish design. Don’t miss this compelling exploration of Pive Toivonen’s work and its significance!

Pive Toivonen’s First Booth at Habitare 2024

We at Monordi are pleased to announce the successful completion of Habitare 2024, where Finnish visual artist Pive Toivonen made her debut booth exhibition. We were thrilled to see so many visitors come by and show interest in Pive’s sauna art.

From the feedback of those who visited the booth, it was clear that Pive’s sauna art, with its gentle watercolor touch, evoked a sense of relaxation and warmth. Many were also drawn to the charming animals depicted in her work, which caught the eye of visitors. Additionally, as Finns, they were intrigued by the illustrations of familiar saunas they had visited themselves, or that held special memories for them.

This experience has brought us much joy, especially seeing Pive’s unique sauna art gaining recognition. At the same time, we have learned a lot throughout the process. Moving forward, we are determined to continue raising awareness of Pive’s sauna art in Finland, ensuring that her work reaches an even wider audience.

We sincerely thank everyone who came by to support us at Habitare, and we look forward to sharing more exciting developments in the future.

You can check Pive’s Sauna arts and all the other informations from here: https://www.instagram.com/pivetoivonenjp/

【Habitare 2024】 Monordi’s Booth Featuring Pive Toivonen’s Latest Sauna Illustrations

Finland’s largest interior design and furniture exhibition, Habitare 2024, is just around the corner. This event draws countless design enthusiasts and professionals each year, offering a unique opportunity to experience the latest trends in design. 

This year, Monordi is excited to showcase a booth featuring the works of renowned Finnish visual artist, Pive Toivonen. Pive is well-known for her beautiful illustrations, which have been featured in various events and publications in Japan. At this year’s Habitare, we are thrilled to present her latest works as well, which will be unveiled for the first time.

In addition, Pive will also be at the booth, sharing insights into her illustrations and the rich Finnish sauna culture. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with her directly as she demonstrates her delicate drawing techniques and explains the stories behind her work.

We also welcome potential licensees interested in creating products using Pive’s illustrations and artwork to visit our booth. Her designs, with their unique Nordic charm and warmth, have captivated many, and in Japan, the market for sauna-related products featuring these charming illustrations is rapidly growing, especially in Japan where her various exhibitions/pop-ups/workshops have been organized and book has been published.

If you’re attending Habitare 2024, please stop by Monordi’s booth. We look forward to sharing the beauty of Nordic design and Pive Toivonen’s new creative vision with you.

Habitare 2024

【Place】 Helsinki Messukeskus

【Address】 Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki

【Dates】 11-15 September

【Opening hour】

  • Wed 11.9.2024, 9-18 (9-12 professionals, media and VIPs only)
  • Thu 12.9.2024, 10-19
  • Fri 13.9.2024, 10-20
  • Sat 14.9.2024, 10-18
  • Sun 15.9.2024, 10-18

【Our booth】

Monordi Oy Ltd.’s MD, Yoshi Kosuge shared his sauna business insights with Nikkei, the top-tier economic journal in Japan and the parent company of Financial Times.

Monordi Oy Ltd.’s MD, Yoshi Kosuge, recently shared his sauna business insights with Nikkei, the top-tier economic journal in Japan and the parent company of Financial Times. A proud moment for our industry!

“While South Korea and China are also potentially lucrative markets, the Japan opportunity is no surprise to Yoshi Kosuge, managing director of Nordic-Japanese business consultancy Monordi.

About half of Monordi’s clients are “Finnish sauna-related businesses” and Japan’s strong link to Finland’s culture is a key asset. Finnish design is already popular through brands such as Marimekko, and it is strongly associated with well-being.

“There are sauna operators in Japan who want to be able to say ‘our sauna stones are from Finland'” Kosuge said.”

Monordi enters the partnership with ITOCHU Fashion System (IFS), Co. Ltd.

Itochu Fashion System Co., Ltd.


Itochu Fashion System Co., Ltd. (IFS) and Monordi have entered into a strategic alliance to jointly promote IFS’s brand marketing and market research services to Nordic companies for the Japanese market. IFS is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is a 100% subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation, one of the largest trading houses in Japan, jointly providing the services with IFS.

IFS is an incredibly attractive company for Nordic businesses to collaborate with, thanks to its unparalleled commitment to innovation, strong regional expertise, and exceptional customer service. IFS is specialized in brand marketing and extensive market research for consumer brands and has served not only a number of Fortune 500 companies in the market but also smaller companies, especially the ones preparing the entry into the Japanese market.

As a side note, IFS runs Tokyo Fashion Week with Rakuten, a Japanese eComm giant and also runs Sustainable Fashion Alliance with 50+ fashion brands in Japan, promoting sustainable manufacturing with the member companies.

If you are looking to enter the Japanese market and need some assistance, please contact Monordi for further information.

IFS Co., Ltd.
https://www.ifs.co.jp/

Monordi Oy Ltd.
https://monordi.fi/
info@monordi.fi

Blog on Monordi’s CEO, Yoshi Kosuge, on Sauna From Finland.

Bridging between Japan and Finland is our core agenda. For this, Sauna From Finland, a promotion association of Finnish Sauna Brands, has posted an blog on our CEO, Yoshi Kosuge and his insights on the sauna industry in Japan. 

“As a Japanese in Finland, it was a natural decision for Yoshi Kosuge to contribute to the development of the relations between the countries. Kosuge hopes that his mixed kids between Japanese and Finnish will be proud of him for doing this, someday.” Read more on Sauna From Finland.