The Japanese Friendship Group Nakayoshi Kai

Back in the autumn of 1990 Nakayoshi Kai was founded by Ms. Kay Laurie and other Japanese mothers in Finchley, where the majority of the Japanese community lived. At that time Kay worked for the National Child Birth Trust. The aim of setting up Nakayoshi Kai was to help Japanese mothers and expectant mothers to "enjoy their lives in Britain." Over the last 20 years the activities of Nakayoshi Kai have constantly been changing and developing. Through the ideas of our members we want to continue this development, so we are always happy to hear any suggestions you may have to improve our friendship group.

Nakayoshi Kai's network is steadily expanding from central London to the surrounding suburbs; our current membership stands at around 170 families. There are also an increasing number of international couples among our membership and our group helps to keep their children in touch with Japanese culture.

Although there are no trained staff or offices, Nakayoshi Kai is entirely run by volunteers, whom are all bringing up children. The work of organising the group is shared through members kindly offering to give up a little of their time. Through volunteers work our team friendship continues to grow stronger.

At Nakayoshi Kai we always encourage mothers not to think, 'I cannot do anything because I have a baby' but to think, 'Yes, I can do this because I have a baby'.

Our Activities

News letters for members: 3-4 issues a year

Playgroups for everyone

1. Open House (North London)
St. Paul's Church (50 Long Lane, Finchley, N3 2PU)
1st & 2nd Monday of every month, 10:00-12:00
For babies and pre-school children

2. Open House (Central London)
Coram's Family (49 Mecklenburgh Square, WC1N 2QA)
2nd & 4th Friday of every month, 14:30-16:30
For babies and pre-school children

3. Maternity and New Mums Meeting (North London)
Torrington Park Health Centre (Torrington Park, North Finchley,N12 9SS)
3rd Friday of every month, 14.00-16.00
For mums-to-be and babies up to 18 months old.

Japanese children's Library (*For members only to borrow)

1. Nakayoshi Bunko (North London)
East Finchley Library
(226 High Road, East Finchley, London N2 9BB)
3rd Wednesday of every month, 10:00-11:00

2. Nakayoshi Bunko (South East London)
A member's residence (Contact:emikodegital@yahoo.co.jp)
3rd Wednesday of every month, 10:30-12:00

Small groups at members' home (*For members only)

1. Coffee Meeting
North London, South West London, East London, Kent, North Surrey For babies and toddlers (mums-to-be also welcome in North Surrey)

2. Morning Activity
North London, South West London, North Surrey For toddlers from 22 months old (babies also welcome in North Surrey)

3. After-school Activity
North London
For children around 3 years old

The Japanese Friendship Group   Registered Charity No.1048115
P.O.Box 2185, Barnet, Herts, EN5 5RB

Replies to any correspondence may take approximately one month. Nakayoshi Kai Application Form (MS-Word)
Nakayoshi Kai Application Form (PDF)

Application form and information in Japanese language can be provided by post as well. Please email your full name and postal address to request.