日本 - Україна
Every Sunday morning in Tokyo, I hear the noise of loud speakers. The offensive racket comes from traveling megaphones on top of black vans - screaming out shrill music accompanied by indecipherable proclamations. I often spit out some expletive. Really? Where is the on and the girl? The shibui, the refined quiet?
This Sunday, as usual, my morning was rocked by music belting up from the streets. This time, I felt different about it. Tears came to my eyes. This time the sound truck was playing the National Anthem of Ukraine.
Japan supports Ukraine. Japan says, “We Stand With You.” “We want to help you.” We stand together as One World. Against Vladimir Putin and his Russian War Machine.
1900 Ukrainians live in Japan as long term residents. But, in the last 2 1/2 years, few foreigners have been allowed to come into Japan. No international students, no foreign workers, no tourists. Japan has been reticent to accept refugees, often leading to international criticism. Yet, in the last few weeks, Japan’s borders have creaked open a bit, to Ukrainians refugees seeking safety and a warm home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote, “In response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Japan is taking the following measures:
Provide Ukraine with bulletproof vests, helmets, winter battle dress uniforms, tents, cameras, hygiene products, emergency rations, generators, binoculars, flashlights, medical equipment,
Provide emergency humanitarian assistance of US$ 100 million in such areas as health and medical care, food, protection of people in Ukraine and neighboring countries through international organizations,
Provide loans to Ukraine of at least US$ 100 million,
Offer visa extensions to any Ukrainians in Japan who wish to receive one,
Promote accepting evacuees from Ukraine into Japan.”