A MULTILINGUAL book has been launched to mark the tenth anniversary of an organisation which champions the bond between Japan and the North-East.

Since 2008 the North-East Japanese Women's Association (NEJWA) has been working tirelessly to establish a support network to help people settle in and make the most of the region.

In the last decade the group has won support from dignitaries in the UK and abroad, and has enjoyed the continued backing of the region's business community with links to Japan.

Its growing reputation has allowed women who travel with their husbands or on business to the North-East - with the likes of Hitachi and Nissan - to quickly and easily find friendship and support.

To commemorate its ten years of operation, the group has produced an anniversary “coffee-table” book in Japanese and English.

Founder and long-standing chairman Sayoko Smith, 71, said: "This book has tried to encapsulate all the things that have been done, to celebrate the last ten years.

"It's a smashing association which has been very successful and we have been so lucky to have so many important people who have supported us with open hearts.

"We want to contribute a part of our culture but also want to participate in the local culture and society."

Mrs Smith, of Wolsingham, set up the association after bumping into a group of Japanese women in Newcastle's Jesmond Dene House in 2007 where they discussed the possibility of bringing together their compatriots.

An inaugural lunch was held in May, 2008, at Wynyard Hall, which attracted a crowd of more than 50 women.

Since then the organisation has had a rolling membership of around 100 people from across the region, including from Darlington, Teesside, Northumberland and Newcastle.

Two or three major events are held each year as well as several smaller gatherings.

For Mrs Smith, one of the NEJWA's proudest achievements was its charitable effort following the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March, 2011.

At the time the association provided a focal point for fundraising to support aid and reconstruction in the Miyagi prefecture on Japan’s north-east coast.

This year a number of anniversary events are planned including a celebration at Preston Park Museum and Grounds on June 3.

Events kicked off this month with the unveiling of the NEJWA book at County Hall, Durham, the former workplace of Mrs Smith's husband and former Durham County Council chief executive of 17 years, Kingsley Smith.

Mr Smith, who spent more than 30 years working with Japanese companies and helping them to invest in the North-East, said: "What Sayoko's achieved is a great association which for many years has supported Japanese ladies to have a really great quality of life in the region.

"All the Japanese companies have been delighted that this help and support mechanism has been available."

For more information about the NEJWA and to buy a book, at a fee of £10, call Mrs Smith on 07831847651.