Mika Tanaka

Mika Tanaka / Dutch-Japan Friends Zwolle

オランダ・日本 友の会 ズヴォレ

For everyone in Zwolle who loves Japan.

Dutch-Japan Friends Zwolle is a free community for people who are curious about Japan, have been there, dream of going, or came from there. We meet a few times a year, outdoors when the weather allows.

Yukata walk through Zwolle's old town

What we do

  • Japan Picnic in Park de Wezenlanden — bring something to share, meet people, play a game or two. Our regular gathering since spring 2026.
  • Yukata Walk — a summer stroll through Zwolle's old streets in yukata, with photos.
  • Food get-togethers — cooking and eating Japanese food together, often at Maru., Zwolle's Japanese take-away.
  • Workshops — short sessions on Japanese language, culture and travel, for anyone planning a trip or simply curious.

Who comes

Dutch people who have travelled to Japan or want to, Japanese people living in and around Zwolle, international students, families, couples where one half is Japanese. All ages. You don't need to speak Japanese, and you don't need to know anyone — most people arrive alone and leave with new friends.

How it works

Membership is free. Sign up with the form, and you'll get an invitation by email or WhatsApp whenever something is planned. Come when you can.

Workshop at Maru.
Talking about Japan at Maru.
Zwolle in the morning

Letters from the Netherlands

Notes on everyday life here, on Japan, and on ways of working. Sent by email, now and then.

Receive the letters