Ukrainian Evacuees Take Japanese Lesson At Cafe In Yokohama
Evacuees from Ukraine have taken part in a Japanese language and culture lesson in the city of Yokohama, near Tokyo. Organizers say they hope to prevent evacuees from becoming isolated.
About 20 people attended the lesson on Friday at a cafe called "Druzi," which means friends in Ukrainian. The cafe was set up as a meeting place for Ukrainian evacuees. City officials say 59 people from 32 families have fled Ukraine to stay in Yokohama.
The participants began with a hands-on class in origami paper folding, making hydrangea flowers. Then they learned how to introduce themselves in Japanese.
A 16-year-old youth said he is still unable to decide if he should go to university in Japan or Ukraine. He said he does not know when the war will end, but wants to study Japanese hard in the meantime.
The Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges, which runs the cafe, says it also offers counseling on daily life difficulties.
An association official said the organization has received many inquiries from people who want to learn Japanese, or to work. He said a Japanese language class and job seminar are planned for June.