Happy New Year!

To mark the Year of the Horse, I drew an illustration of a mother and children.

It had been over a year since I last picked up a pen, and the last time I recall drawing a horse was in primary school — it was great fun.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of Nakayoshikai. I am grateful that we have been able to continue our activities safely over the years.

Since our founding in 1990, our mission has been to eliminate loneliness and isolation in parenting, and to pass on the Japanese language and culture.

A survey by the charity HOME-START UK found that eight out of ten people feel lonely or isolated while raising children.

Japanese families living in the UK face child-rearing overseas, so many more than 80% may feel that loneliness.

We hope that Nakayoshikai’s activities have helped reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation for as many people as possible.

Looking back over 2025, it was another year in which we met many wonderful people.

Our regular activities were attended by a total of 414 families, and the second Sakura Fair welcomed around 1,300 visitors — more than last year — who supported our charity efforts.

The tombola at the Sakura Fair received generous prize donations from many Japanese companies.

Our stall at Japan Matsuri also received much support, helping local people learn more about Nakayoshikai.

We were honoured to be invited to the Westminster Mayor’s reception, which strengthened our links with UK–Japan friendship organisations.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported Nakayoshikai.

This year, to further expand our work to end loneliness and isolation in parenting, we will restart activities at Finchley Central, where Nakayoshikai began 🎉

In January, our first sessions will be the singing group on 9 January and the Morning Activity (MA) in North Finchley.

The third Sakura Fair is scheduled for 2 May — please save the date.

Through our charity activities, we will continue to protect smiles and secure a brighter future of our children.

With best wishes for the year ahead,

Nakayoshikai UK

Yuko Murao