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© Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Hayashi returns from Poland with 20 Ukrainians
By MARI YAMAGUCHI TOKYO©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.
124 Comments
kennyG
@smithinjapan
Coincidentally, JT picked up the news for you today.
https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-locals-eager-to-help-ukrainian-evacuees-over-700-offers-made
All for recognition Huh?
kennyG
So all those NGO/NPO, each regional municipalities, private companies now trying to accommodate them
are doing it only for recognition too? Your ilk cannot help trying to find the reason to make anything Japan does meaningless. Therefore despite posting the above as of today, you aren't updated at all in any more additional information except keep talking about some thing like only 6 months
smithinjapan
OssanAmerica: "If you were one of those 20 people, would you really consider it meaningless? ."
When I'm told it's for six months only and so Japan can get international recognition, yes, I absolutely would.
Just imagine if Oskar Schindler or even Chiuni Sugihara had said, "It's not about the number, it's just about doing it, so it doesn't matter if it's few," like Hayashi is saying instead of the "If I can just save one more... one more!" they said time and time again as they risked their own lives and demanded no credit for doing so. So, yes, Hayashi and Co. it absolutely DOES matter how many you take, especially when your only actual goal is recognition.
sf2k
Perfect for Japan, as they are evacuees not immigrants and will want to return at some point. But only 20 when other nations take in thousands must be kind of embarrassing though?
Dirk T
Those who criticize the immigration policies of Japan do not understand that the government will never allow an entire class of immigrants to threaten the power structure of even a single city, much less the entire country.
Olegek
Before you start "helping" Ukrainian it was quite a normal state. In 1991 Ukraine was much more developed than Poland.
Today it's a typical "failing state" without any future
In 1991 Ukraine has 52 million people, today real population (people who really live there) about 30 millions.
Before February 2022
So West helping a lot to Ukraine.
it was no Russians 40 years before on your territory.
30 years also
Soviet bases were in Poland. Today you have American bases - really great progress.
EU policy toward Russia can have as a result huge problems for example in food/energy market and
it can have a dramatic consequences to modern economy and industry.
You helped to much to Ukraine.
Ercan Arisoy
A symbolic act with most earnest intentions.
TheReds
20??? Is this even worth reporting? The number of Ukrainian refugees is not 430 people, it is more than 4.3 million. Hazukashikunai???
Tynio
@Olegek
You are very wrong that you can lose by helping Ukrainians, our country has accepted over 2.5 million refugees and many Poles understand that these people have lost everything. We are trying to make it easier and simpler to find a job, apartment and school for Ukrainian children.
The Polish economy is not as developed as the Japanese one, but we have made a lot of progress and we are trying to make it better than 40 years ago when the Russians were in our territory.
I believe that our economy can give advice, but the help that we can receive from the European Union, the USA and Japan will be very helpful and I believe that our country will be able to use all the help it receives well.
@Saine
Yes, you are right that they have good conditions and whether they have money or not, our government finances food for 2 months and provides a roof over their heads.
Every Ukrainian can stay in our country for more than 2 years and has help in finding a job.
Our languages are different, but many people from Ukraine know Russian and English, so this language barrier is smaller than it seems. It is easier for us to establish language contact because often children learn our language quickly and want to do it themselves.
To make it easier for Ukrainians in my city, there are many messages and posters informing in Ukrainian, an option to change the language from Polish to Ukrainian has been introduced on the websites.
u_s__reamer
There's little point carping about twenty since the tone-deaf Japanese government never get the optics right, but few Ukrainians will be bothered: very few would want to come to a culture so alien. Let's hope the J-gov will show their generosity by giving humanitarian aid and contributing to the rebuilding of Ukraine's infrastructure.
Luddite
I can’t believe the government is bragging about this.
Saine
The refugees are not living in third-world conditions. They have access to government services and there has been an outpouring of support from the public in Poland. Also although Ukrainian and Polish are different there is a very significant level of mutual intelligibility that facilitates communication and refugees being able to pick up Polish faster than they would other languages hence the already sizable Ukrainian immigrant population in Poland. While I am certain more than 20 people are interested in moving to Japan, I don't think the teeming masses are exactly lining up either.
Olegek
So guys, you are kidding now, but are you ready to lose everything you have to support Ukraine?
Here the question. And this is not a joke.
Living standarts, social security... everyting and move to a new, much more cruel world? (Third world)
Russians can live in North Korea way (they have great experience)
And you are ready?
Our world is very fragile and world economy can collapse in next 2-3 years.
And we will have one big North Korea and this is not funny.
Strangerland
According to JT posters, they should have just left them behind, because 20 people don't matter because they aren't enough.
I'm sure those 20 people would agree right? I wonder if any lf the people in this thread saying that Japan's efforts were useless, are one of those people who was evacuated...
Mickelicious
What an utterly surreal six weeks these people have endured.
painkiller
UdondashiToday 09:06 am JST
WRONG.
Japan has donated only 100 million dollars, and will give another 100 million dollars .
https://thediplomaticinsight.com/japan-announces-humanitarian-assistance-for-ukraine/
UdondashiToday 09:06 am JST
The US is giving 13.6 Billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
So, the US is giving like 70 times the amount Japan is.
Is that obviously doing more than Japan (in addition to taking 100,000 people versus Japan's 20)?
kennyG
kennyGToday 09:30 pm JST
Unless you are updated, Japan has already done directly to Poland in addition to the portion for Ukraine.
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASQ453T79Q45UTFK008.html
kennyG
Not Bingo exactly speaking. 5 out of 20 have no family/relative members nor acquaintance.
Check other source sometimes will you?
Mr Kipling
Gaijinland...
Bingo! They do you guessed wisely.
Gaijinjland
It’s a nice gesture on japan’s part but only 20? And I honestly think Poland would be much better equipped to deal and treat these Ukrainian refugees properly. Just I’m guessing these 20 have family members already legally living in Japan.
kaimycahl
Europe would have been the best place for the displace Ukrainian the probablity of finding someone that speaks the same language is greater and the culture is more adapting.
kennyG
Unless you are updated, Japan has already done directly to Poland in addition to the portion for Ukraine.
antifun
I agree that the distance and the difference in culture makes Japan not an ideal destination for refugees from Ukraine. Still the government response of taking 20 people in a plane with the foreign minister is a terrible failure for an attempt in PR. As others have pointed out, what Japan could do is to provide aid to refugees in Poland or other neighbors of Ukraine by maybe building housing or providing funds for food and medicine. But I suppose that doesn't catch the headlines as much as the minister bringing 20 people with him so here we are.
As for the tax angle, I'd rather have my taxes spent on humanitarian aid to a catastrophe never seen since WW2 than so called defense spending that has been ramping up with no end in sight in the last decade.
tokyobakayaro
Just came back from Wikipedia (great website BTW) and I was looking at maps, world maps. I tried to find something logical on JT patrons reactions but no matter how hard I try, I fail. I mean, you are in Ukraine, you WALK with your FEET, and bang you are you are in Poland, try another direction and bang you are in Romania, it also works with several countries surrounding Ukraine. Even better: if you reach Poland, there are free buses to Germany, France and several EU countries but none of them take you to Japan. Weird huh? Really weird!
Then I looked at maps and find there was 8200 kms distance between Ukraine and Japan. OMG! Ukraine is in Europe! I started thinking how could Japan score like Poland? I mean everyone here is comparing to Poland. So basically we need 4032 flights on Boeing 787 Dreamliner to make 1 million Ukranian come to Japan. 4032 flights. Brillant huh? Let's say we use 1 plane that goes and come to Ukraine everyday. We could that in just 11 YEARS. Crazy huh?
All on Japanese tax payers.
naitch
20 refugees ! what shame!
Joanne
For them to learn the language, culture, then look for jobs and all the while the uncertainty of the visa system being offered to them by Japan seems a bit too hard considering they lost everything back home! Just my opinion that they can build a better life easily in European countries rather than Japan! Remember, that the visa being offered to them by the Japanese Government seems a bit too uncertain in many ways and they might be asked to pack and go as soon as the invasion is over!
James
@RodneyToday 09:26 am JST
Ah thanks for answering my question, that would certainly explain why they changed the number from 30 to 20 pity the article didn't mention it could have saved me from bothering to ask.
kennyG
marcelitoToday 06:38 pm JST
Over and over again. What Japan and Hayashi should have done where only 20 people there on the spot were willing to get on board?????????????????????????????????????
kennyG
Anything goes right? You just think so
OssanAmerica
Difficult maybe, But infinity better than getting bombed or shot.
kennyG
So did Canada send flight and take them back ( for free) already? How many?
What should Japan have done when only 20 people wanted to evacuate to Japan? Abduct them?
They turned down the offer.
Again what the heck does G7 have got to do with this action? Tell us all.
Yep. These blind bashers should count those evacuees who flied to any G7 countries for free so far
quercetum
Poland borders Ukraine. The issue is if there is war in the Taiwan straits, many Japanese have told me they wouldn’t want Taiwanese refugees coming to Japan. Japan prefers the country to be Japanese. We all know that.
OssanAmerica
Not sure? About a chance to go someplace where you won't be in the middle of a war? LOL. And nobody is talking about other people besides those 20.
Mocheake
I agree, but let me change one important word:
For these 20 Ukrainians, life in Japan will be very difficult,may Lord help them after relocation.
The people care more about Pomeranians than Ukrainians. They'll be just some more unwanted foreigners.
Tynio
@kurisupisu
Thank you very much for your kind words, I don't know how Poland is shown in your media, but many people try to help from the heart because what is happening is terrible. At school, my daughter met Ukrainian children who had escaped from the war. They found warmth, care, and their parents a job, many Poles sympathize and help as much as they can. We also see that many countries outside Europe want to help in this dramatic situation.
kurisupisu
@Tynio
Good luck to you and know that I have sympathy with your situation.
Alan Harrison
Placing children in an orphanage is pretty much the worst thing you could do to child victims of war - or any children.
Then place them with a Japanese family.
elephant200
For these 20 Ukrainians, life in Asia will be very difficult,may Lord help them after relocation!
Tynio
@kurisupisu
You are right about helping our country, I believe that few people fleeing Ukraine have family or friends in Japan. It is much better to return to your homeland from Poland, Germany or Slovakia. Many people who escaped from the war are going to return home and family. Unfortunately, I don't know any Japanese, but I believe you want to help in these hard times.
Richard Gallagher
Why?
snowymountainhell
Well said: @kurisupisu 4:42pm:
“Japan would be better off funding a large refugee centre in Poland with the money expended on flights, food, translators and setting up accommodation in Japan”“20 refugees in Japan means what exactly?”
kurisupisu
Japan would be better off funding a large refugee centre in Poland with the money expended on flights,food,translators and setting up accommodation in Japan
20 refugees in Japan means what exactly?
gokai_wo_maneku
People, read the news! Japan has admitted almost 400 Ukrainian refugees, not just 20.
Rivera
Japan’s government wanted to show the whole world how they are helping by taking in the refugee’s from Poland and bringing them into Japan .There are THOUSANDS and Thousands of them at Poland and they take only what 20 and when you see the photo there are no MOTHERS with their kids that’s what they should start with FAMILY which Japan Doesn’t understand it’s slavery they want
Yotomaya
Not sure. But I would definitely consider it meaningless if I wasn't one of the few lucky chosen ones.
Baradzed
Yes and this is positive thing from USA. However, it was USA in Budapest Memorandum among those who pushed Ukraine to send their nuclear arsenal to Russia in exchange for some abstract security assurances.
JCR
Haha 20..
Kyo wa heiwa dayo ne
Thomas -
Please don't take it personally because its the government thats making the decisions and the Japanese public aren't getting a fair democracy vote or voice.
If the Japanese people remain to be too complacent then the government will continue to take advantage.
The constitution needs to be exercised by the people not just the government.
"We the people" !
Kyo wa heiwa dayo ne
@ UdonDashi
Sorry to inform you thats incorrect that Japan isn't part of NATO.
Japan is considered part of NATO because of its alliance with the USA as extended family but not an official member but still part of NATO.
you could say Japan's official membership is pending because of obvious reasons.
Japanese people are for the most part kind and considerate , however the government is mean and selfish and dithering in circles and perhaps circling the drain.
OssanAmerica
If you were one of those 20 people, would you really consider it meaningless? .
OssanAmerica
You can bet it meant alot to those 20 people. While it means nothing to you but a Japan bashing point.
gakinotsukai
20 only ?
Selected on what criteria ?
Yotomaya
@OssanAmerica
My criticism is that this is a meaningless gesture. Those who refer to any criticism as "bashing" really like to compare Japan to other Asian countries (none of which are G7 countries by the way) now, and not when such a comparison would be far less favourable for Japan.
It's completely in character for Japan to take hardly any refugees at all, even from countries much closer to home. That's why I and others are calling ** on this one.
Tynio
I am writing from Poland and my family helps Ukrainians, I have 3 people from Ukraine at work. You have no need to argue how many people in Japan receive refugees. Our cultures are very similar and we want to help this person. Sometimes our country is only a transit and many people go to Germany, UK or Italy because they are richer countries or they have a family there. I am glad that My country helps these poor people.
Glory to Ukraine.
Tynio
Kyo wa heiwa dayo ne
Perhaps more people didn't want to come to Japan .
That's Perhaps what happened.
Understandable.
Kyo wa heiwa dayo ne
Seeking to play a greater role with accepting only 20 and what happened to the other 10 that was previously announced?
Oh dear !
And they are not being evacuated from poland so they are not evacuees.
Nonetheless thankyou Japan for all your most incredible generosity iam sure history will remember you.
Olegek
Anyway he's got some result!
Congratulation!
Most of Ukrainian speak or at least understand Russian.
Only minority from west part of country use only Ukrainian.
Rodney
you do know that around 30% of Ukrainians speak Russian as their native tongue and around 15-20% have Russian passports. Don’t tar all Ukrainians as neo-Nazi. I had ordinary Ukrainian neighbours before and babysat their son sometimes. So if China decides to take Ukrainians, then that is good. Japan is more difficult.
Mr Kipling
Did they all get their required negative PCR test and Mofa form before boarding?
Did they have another PCR and spend 6 hours at Haneda waiting for results?
Happy for the Ukrainians who will be able to spend some time with their family members here but this is pure show boating of the most embarrassing kind.
Udondashi
AddfwynToday
I suppose it is a nice gesture, but do refugees that are already out of the country need to be rescued to Japan? They're already in a country that is accepting refugees on a large scale, with the added benefit of being very close to return when the conflict is over.
All Ukrainian refugees are free to choose.
Japanese Government not pointed a gun at anyone
to come to Japan.
kennyG
Like I said. There were only 20 who raised hands including those who has no family nor relative in Japan, got on board of government plane for free for the journey to the far far east.
Strangerland
Yeah, they should just leave them behind. Why even bother right?
Purple C-Clamp
20 whole people? Wow Japan, don't strain yourself there with that generosity.
Addfwyn
I suppose it is a nice gesture, but do refugees that are already out of the country need to be rescued to Japan? They're already in a country that is accepting refugees on a large scale, with the added benefit of being very close to return when the conflict is over.
On the other hand, if they contacted Japanese embassies in Poland themselves, they must have reason to want to go there over Poland, I am just not sure what that would be without further information.
The only case that really makes sense to me is that these are non-Slavic Ukrainian refugees, who have been experiencing a lot of additional hardships and racism. If that is the case, bravo on Japan for reaching out to those people, because I think they could easily be swept under the rug.
gogogo
20 people? Just fill the plane... It is insulting that Japan thinks this is of any help to the number of people displaced.
OssanAmerica
It's not whatabotism. The only Asian country that I'm aware of that's even taking in any Ukranians gets nothing but bashing for it here on BashJapanToday.com. LOL
The Avenger
Correction:
The refugees are on a different government plane.
Not on Hayashi's government plane.
Kobe White Bar Owner
20?… a gesture for appearance sake as expected.
kennyG
Here you go. Including some who has no family nor relative members already in Japan、 the number of those willingly evacuate to Japan on that spot failed to reach to original 30. And yet usual J-haters never skip their jobs to laugh out on this mere 20
kennyG
Suggest you to read the article first.
kennyG
Yeah Yeah, Hayashi should have stuffed two government aircrafts to the maximum capacity with reluctant Ukrainians forcefully almost like abducting them to the far far east. Right? You don't even know 10people were turned down or rejected down from original 30 plan.
What on earth does this kind of humanitarian aids have to with G7 anyway? G7 must do but G20 not?
The Avenger
The Ukranian refugees will arrive on a different plane. They are not on the government plane.
ポーランドでの視察を終えた林外相は、あと1時間ほどで政府専用機で帰国する予定です。その後、まもなく、ウクライナからの避難民を乗せた別の機体も羽田空港に到着することになっています。
Alex L.
@kumagaijin
Beggars can't be choosers? They are choosing though. They are choosing to go to neighboring countries or in countries they can assimilate into much better. The only ones who are coming to Japan are likely doing so because they have family here.
Alex L.
@The Avenger
That's not a fair comparison. Out of all of the countries you listed, Japan is the only one that isn't in Europe and has the biggest difference in culture and language. The low number just means Japan isn't really a coveted destination for them. How about getting data on how many refugees S. Korea, China, or any other country in Asia is taking?
stormcrow
Hopefully this foot in the door will lead to better things.
Yotomaya
@OssanAmerica
Whataboutism.
I don't think China will be taking any refugees in given it's Russia's ally. Other countries, I don't know. But other countries not helping doesn't justify J media's portrayal of virtual inaction as kindness. If Japan is joining the ranks of countries that refuse to help, fine, but we are here shown every day news about how refugees are graciously accepted in laughable numbers. I think it rubs the wrong way a lot of us who live here and have experience with the narrative of yasashii Japan.
Having said that, I admit this is type of controversial topic is a good way to keep many of us engaged. Worked on me, again.
OssanAmerica
How many Ukranian refugees have been taken in by China? South Korea? Taiwan? Philippines?
Ukraine is nowhere near the Far East. And the refugees themselves would obvuously prefer a location with less cultural and lingustic hurdles. But the main goal of going somewhere where they won't be killed takes precedence.
WA4TKG
…but I still can’t enter the country
Kumagaijin
Beggars can't be choosers. I would imagine that these 20 refugees will be much better cared for than others. I just find it discriminatory that Japan was so reluctant to accept Syrian refugees. I think in the end they took 12?
I wonder if they are going to have to quarantine for x number of days.
egads man!
I hope those 20 people will have someplace to work once they get here.
Rodney
according to Japanese tele last night, they didn’t want to come to Japan.
free entry into the EU ahead of millions of middle eastern and North African asylum seekers is a better option.
Ricky Kaminski13
I know the number is laughable to some, but it’s better than the usual none. We all know that Japan starts anything slowly and with hyper caution , but this is actually quite a meaningful gesture. He seems to have been truly moved by what he saw in Poland and wants to do something. Surely all of you seasoned expats don’t expect them to just open the floodgates and bring in thousands of people with little planning or support. These 20 will be well cared for, the case will be made to the Japanese public that Japan can do more than just send money, and hopefully once they get a feel for humanitarianism it will lead to more. I commend any actual efforts whether it be twenty or two.
Anyone here offered to open a room in their own home, and have the will and ability to help a refugee acclimatize to a radically different landscape, culture and language? I wonder how many would really put their hands up. The government has to do it right? No, actual people have to.
Tom San
I donated 0 to the Ukrainian Refugee Relief, but I do/did donate to other charities by the way.
Whether or not I donate directly doesn't matter. The Japanese government sends relief to Ukraine with your tax money and mine.
Michael Machida
Japan just keeps its distance and throws money at global crisis however life's crisis warrants more than cash. That's why America has done a lot more than Japan since America donated cash, munitions, beds, breakfast, homes in America along with the ability to live and work in The United States Of America.
smithinjapan
“Tokyo expects the 20 evacuees will stay in Japan for at least six months”
Oh, the magnanimity! The benevolence! The only thing that would surprise me less is if the government also insisted they spend half that time in quarantine (which they can work off), and that they’ll be fed produce and fish from areas around Fukushima to prove it’s safe.
The guy goes to Poland and sees how that nation is taking in thousands upon thousands for probably permanent residency and decides Japan will be “generous” and take on 2.5 times more than the original 8 suggested for little more than a tourist visa.
Udondashi
bobcatfish
This is geat news. Along with France's 26000, that will make 26020
Japanese Government has donated more than 1.5 Billion Dollar, this is more than enough if you consider Japan is not part of NATO.
Perhaps the US Government should do more for obvious reasons.
Mocheake
What do you expect? They DON'T really care and just do enough to get a headline. This isn't the first nor the last of their half-hearted "support."
Michael Machida
Less we forget: The United States to take in 100,000 Ukrainians. Japan: 47
mz16
Well I guess this kind of proves this was just to get some international points for Japan. They don’t really care about refugees, we’ve known this for years.
Aly Rustom
Brilliant!
diobrando
Ukranians want to save their life and to be in a peaceful country, it doesnt matter to adapt to a new culture and society. For lovers of one nation, 30 people are already too much and statistic will be impacte....just remember, we talk about human lifes!!
HBJ
Presumably Hayashi said '20 man', which got translated as 200,000 - where actually he literally meant '20 man'.
Aly Rustom
I think people around the world are starting to wake up to the fact that Japan is neither leading nor a democracy.
BurakuminDes
Placing children in an orphanage is pretty much the worst thing you could do to child victims of war - or any children.
Aly Rustom
No one will disagree with you there.
I agree. And the situation is getting worse. BUT, this is the fault of Japanese voters who constantly reelect the same party that cares NOTHING for the people.
Aly Rustom
Hayashi to bring back 20 Ukrainians from Poland on gov't plane
20 PEOPLE?! OMG!! That's too much! Japan will be overrun with Ukrainian gangs!!
Tom San
Do more for Japanese people in Japan.
There's no shortage of people in need here, especially children who go to bed hungry and the young carers who cannot afford (in many ways) to even attend school, having to look after their parents and/or siblings 24/7. Ukraine is 8,000 km away from Japan. It's the EU, not Japan that should be doing more.
Udondashi
Japan Embassy in Poland refused the request of a Ukrainian
with Short Stay Visa and Japanese guarantor.
https://youtu.be/WcbeRafC1fE
Hiro
We should open a orphanage here. Take in a few hundred kids who lost their parents. I think is easier for them to adapt this way. I am sure most of us would happily support this and even willing to help out and visit them.
The Avenger
Total recent Ukrainian refugee intake:
Poland 2,451,342
Romania 643,058
Republic of Moldova 394,740
Hungary 390,392
Russian Federation 350,632
Slovakia 301,405
Belarus 15,281
Japan 20
geronimo2006
Can't really expect more from Japan than a token gesture when it comes to refugees. It's not like they will be accepting any in significant numbers. This move designed purely to placate public opinion while getting favorable media attention for the government
Fighto!
You do realize the history of refugees involves people seeking shelter in places with a completely "different culture" and language, right?
Hopefully, in the next few months, Japan will take in more Ukrainians seeking safety.
Mickelicious
Meatloaf sang that 2 outta 3 ain't bad, but 20 warm leads, and for six months, is little to boast about.
Mark
DO MORE JAPAN, you can't expect to be recognized as a leading democracy when you give less than you take.
Meiyouwenti
Ukrainian refugees would be much happier in Poland and other Eastern European countries than living in a totally different culture half a world away.
factchecker
Wrong - Japan does not have the legal framework to allow it, even without covid border restrictions thrown into the mix.
antifun
Must have forgot to account for the omiyage.
Franz Pichler
Lots of haters here, you all could sponsor some Ukrainians and take them in! I think it’s a nice gesture by the minister. Always moaning here….
James
Didn't he say he was bringing back 30 few days ago?
https://japantoday.com/category/national/hayashi-to-take-30-ukraine-evacuees-to-japan-after-touring-poland
Seems they dropped 10 people from the list?
Michael Machida
No matter how you place this sentiment as a kind gesture or a good start, this act by Japan or a Japanese entity, this is ridiculous. The immigration policy by the Japanese Government is designed so that Japan does not have to actually help any other country in a crisis. It's deplorable, a lack of true compassion, and an indignity to man kind on a grand scale.
bobcatfish
This is geat news. Along with France's 26000, that will make 26020
Good
Very thoughtful gesture.