Japan has taken in hundreds of Ukrainians. The welcome for others has been less warm
The Japanese government has given Ukrainians residency and work permits for up to a year. But for those from other countries, it can be a years-long struggle to attain similar benefits and privileges.
YOKOHAMA, Japan — A dozen Ukrainian students sit in a classroom, studying basic Japanese to help them navigate life in a new country. Among them is Sergei Litvinov, a 29-year-old trained chef, who arrived in June. He says he's been listening to Japanese rock music since his teen years.
Coming to Japan is "a dream come true," he says with a laugh. "But I'm not happy, because it's a terrible story in Ukraine."
Litvinov is one of nearly 2,000 Ukrainians admitted to Japan on a temporary basis since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, according to Japan's justice ministry.
The Ukrainians
