Ukrainians in Japan observe moment of silence to mark 6 months since invasion began

TOKYO -- Ukrainians living in Japan and those who fled their home country after Russia invaded Ukraine observed a moment of silence in front of JR Shibuya Station in mourning for the victims of the ongoing invasion on Aug. 24, six months after the attacks started.

The event in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward was organized by "Stand With Ukraine Japan," which was founded by Ukrainians living in Japan and others immediately after the onset of the invasion. About 70 people held up flags and placards calling for opposition to the war and wished for peace.

Aug. 24 also marks the anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the former Soviet Union. A 25-year-old woman from Mariupol who is in Japan as an intern said, "In my home country, we cannot hold any celebratory events in order to avoid Russian attacks, so I wanted to participate here. I hope the war will end soon."

(Japanese original by Daisuke Wada, Photo Group)