About Us

Nakayoshikai - The Japanese Friendship Group

We are a registered charity that aims to eliminate loneliness and isolation in parenting and promote Japanese language and culture
（Registered Charity No.1212136）

History of Nakayoshikai

History of Nakayoshikai

The Japanese Friendship Group was founded in 1990 in North Finchley by Mrs. Kay Laurie and other Japanese mothers raising children.
Back then there were no mobile phones or internet, and international calls were extremely expensive. Many Japanese mothers living in the UK struggled with language barriers and not having a community to rely on. This led to numerous cases of postpartum depression and some even took their own lives. Against this backdrop, Nakayoshikai was established to prevent such tragedies and provide a space for parents to connect while promoting Japanese culture and language.

Postpartum depression and parenting in isolation remain challenges and it is essential to meet people face-to-face, talk, connect, and build a community.
Those who struggled to make local friends and felt so lonely that they cried daily, those seeking a place to converse in Japanese, and those wanting to pass on Japanese culture and language to their children have joined Nakayoshikai and found joy again.

Postpartum depression can affect anyone, and parenting abroad often leads to feelings of isolation. Additionally, when children who have grown up in Japan move to the UK, they may find adapting to an English-speaking environment challenging and having a Japanese community is a source of comfort for them. Once your community expands, your life will also become more enjoyable.

Yuko Murao

Yuko Murao

CEO

Our team

Nakayoshikai Team

Nakayoshikai is an organization run by volunteers. All members are mums and dads who are actively parenting. Each member takes on roles based on their individual areas of expertise.

Volunteer with us

We welcome volunteers to participate in our activities and contribute to our mission. Whether you’re passionate about parenting, interested in social impact, or simply want to be part of a supportive community, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Let’s make a positive difference together!

なかよし会の年表

  • September – Nakayoshikai was established in North London by Kay Laurie to support mental health for parents experiencing loneliness and isolation, and to promote Japanese culture.
    October – First Stay and Play session held at St Paul’s Church (called “Open House”).
  • January – New Mums group launched at Torrington Park Health Centre (GP). Thereafter, Health Visitors attended both St Paul’s and GP activities to provide parenting consultations.
    23 September – Interview by Miss Stewart for BBC Training Course on Japanese women’s marriage, parenting, and life in London.
    24 September – Morning Activities (MA) commenced.
    October – Japanese Week held at multiple Barnet libraries, including Hendon Library and Barnet Library.
    November – Shared Japanese culture with students at Monken Hadley School and Fitzjohns Primary School.
  • 21 January – Nakayoshikai featured in the Mainichi Shimbun.
    March – Maternity Pack (predecessor to the Maternity Book) issued, printed with funding from Persil.
    March – Nakayoshikai Library started.
    1 October – Attended Barnet District Childcare Survey Meeting.
    19 November – Nakayoshikai Library featured in the Japan Times.
    26 November – Meeting with Barnet Health Council.
  • 23 January 1993 – Barnet Libraries’ Japan Festival held.
    January – February – Japan Month held at multiple Barnet libraries (Church End, East Finchley, Totteridge, North Finchley, Chipping Barnet). Story Time sessions included.
    18 February – Nakayoshikai featured in the Sankei Shimbun.
    25 February – Nakayoshikai featured in the Yomiuri Shimbun.
    Mother and Baby Mental Health Project led by Dr Yoshida. Research later included in Ethnicity: An Agenda for Mental Health (1999, edited by D. Bhugra and V. Bahl).
    10 May – Children’s Dental Club led by dentists.
  • 5 March – Japanese Hina Festival held at Church End Library.
  • Registered with the Charity Commission.
  • Shared information with the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare regarding parenting and childbirth research in the UK.
  • Hosted 21 activities across Acton, Wimbledon, and other locations.
    28 June – Children’s Day at Chipping Barnet Library.
  • May – Children’s Day events at East Finchley Library.
  • May – Participated as stallholders at Hyde Park Matsuri.
    Nakayoshikai flyers placed in the Japanese Embassy waiting room.
  • April – Children’s Day events at East Finchley Library.
    Members-only telephone consultations with professionals including doctors, nurses, and dentists.
  • Activities held across North, South, East, and West London, and outside London in Surrey, Kent, and Hertfordshire.
  • Fundraising for support following the Great East Japan Earthquake; donations sent to the Japanese Embassy.
  • April – Holiday activities held; Baby Bounce at Swiss Cottage.
  • AGM passed motion to make all groups membership-based due to insurance requirements.
  • Maternity Book digitised.
  • July – Nakayoshikai Library temporarily suspended.
    COVID-19 – Activities moved online (Japanese singing, chat groups, etc.).
  • March – Participated in online “Positive Birth and Parenting Festival”.
    April – Baby and Toddler group resumed at Hampstead Heath.
    May – Regular activities resumed at usual venues.
    September – Baby and Toddler group switched to staff-led format instead of parent-led.
  • Major revision of the 7th edition of the Maternity Book.
  • September – Japanese ASC resumed in Highgate.
    November – Singing group started at Finsbury Park Hidden Café.
  • January – New website launched and social media channels started.
    March – Support group started for parents of children with school refusal or mild developmental differences.
    April – First fundraising event “Sakura Fair” hosted by Nakayoshikai.
    June – Attended reception for the Emperor of Japan.
    June – Nanny/Babysitter matching service launched.
    October – First participation in Japan Matsuri festival.
  • April – Attended Lord Mayor of Westminster reception.
    May – Second “Sakura Fair” held.
    September – Participation in Japan Matsuri.
    October – Nakayoshikai Library reopened.
    November – Japanese ASC received funding from the Japan Foundation.