An event to support people evacuated from Ukraine was held in Yokohama, near Tokyo.
About 100 evacuees were invited to the event at the office of the Kanagawa prefectural government on Sunday.
The participants took photos together and wrote messages of peace and gratitude for Japan’s support on papers shaped like sunflowers, which are a symbol of Ukraine.
They sung Ukraine’s national anthem and folk songs to commemorate the country’s Independence Day on August 24.
The day also marked 18 months since Russia’s invasion of their country began.
A woman who arrived in Japan with her mother in December said they have been able to lead a relaxed life thanks to support from people here.
She also said she hopes the conflict will end soon with victory for Ukraine.
Prefectural official Yada Kenji said local authorities will help address the challenges the evacuees are facing, such as finding housing and work.
Source : NHK