Kaija Pakarinen is a Finnish actress primarily known for her prolific film career and frequent collaborations with director Aki Kaurismäki.

She has appeared in many of his most acclaimed films, including *Mies vailla menneisyyttä* (The Man Without a Past, 2002), *Laitakaupungin valot* (Lights in the Dusk, 2006), and most recently *Kuolleet lehdet* (Fallen Leaves, 2023).

Pakarinen stands out for her ability to portray ordinary characters, often working-class figures or marginalized individuals, with remarkable authenticity and subtlety. Her acting style is characterized by expressive minimalism and a discreet yet incisive stage presence, capable of conveying emotional depth through gestures and glances. She has become a recognizable face of contemporary Finnish cinema, contributing significantly to the distinctive aesthetic of Kaurismäki's films.