Hayashi returns from Poland with 20 Ukrainians

Ukrainian refugees would be much happier in Poland and other Eastern European countries than living in a totally different culture half a world away.

This is geat news. Along with France's 26000, that will make 26020

@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.

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.

Hayashi said he was impressed by the high level of care and support being given to refugees in Poland, including food, medical care, counseling for those with trauma and support for children. “What we observed here will certainly help us plan our support for them in Japan,” he said.

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.

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

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.

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?

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

Ukrainian refugees would be much happier in Poland and other Eastern European countries than living in a totally different culture half a world away.

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.

We should open a orphanage here. 

Placing children in an orphanage is pretty much the worst thing you could do to child victims of war - or any children.

@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?

People, read the news! Japan has admitted almost 400 Ukrainian refugees, not just 20.

elephant200Today  05:08 pm JST

For these 20 Ukrainians, life in Asia will be very difficult,may Lord help them after relocation!

Difficult maybe, But infinity better than getting bombed or shot.

I hope those 20 people will have someplace to work once they get here.

Correction:

The refugees are on a different government plane.

Not on Hayashi's government plane.

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.

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。

YotomayaToday  09:56 am JST

@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

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

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

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.

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….

Wrong - Japan does not have the legal framework to allow it, even without covid border restrictions thrown into the mix.

The 20 people previously contacted Japanese embassies in Ukraine or Poland

Meatloaf sang that 2 outta 3 ain't bad, but 20 warm leads, and for six months, is little to boast about.

Seems they dropped 10 people from the list?

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.

@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.

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.

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

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.

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

Yeah , yeah.....good ole what about country XYZ whataboutism. None of the countries you listed are G7 members, Japan is. No matter how much you try divert focus, the fact remains Japan,s refugee intake is an international embarassment.

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?

egads man!Today  09:38 am JST

I hope those 20 people will have someplace to work once they get here.

Suggest you to read the article first.

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.

@Tynio

Good luck to you and know that I have sympathy with your situation.

smithinjapanToday  12:45 am JST

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.

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

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.

Seems they dropped 10 people from the list?

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.

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

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.

YotomayaToday  04:29 pm JST

If you were one of those 20 people, would you really consider it meaningless? .

Not sure. But I would definitely consider it meaningless if I wasn't one of the few lucky chosen ones.

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.

gintonicToday  02:00 pm JST

* 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 same country that keeps going on about being a beacon of democracy in Asia, the most advanced, the most yasashii, the only Asian country that is a member of G7 and therefore a party to their unwavering & ever increasing statements to support Ukraine. This is that same country, isnt it?

As for the " Japan is too far, they all wanna stay in Europe " argument , contrast the response of Canada , another G7 country that is " far from Europe".

*Ukrainian Refugees Can Comes To Canada In Unlimited Numbers -Under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, Ukrainians will be able to come to Canada, pending background checks and security screenings, and stay for at least two years, including extensions to that permit.Mar 11, 2022*

*1**( +3 / -2 )*

So did Canada send flight and take them back ( for free) already? How many?

gintonicToday  01:50 pm JST

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。"

You dont't say...funny thing some posters were making an argument on JT couple of days ago that J-govt couldnt fit too more people on the govt plane (and that was when they talked about 30 ). Some of us suggested another plane that would be able to bring in 300. Now we have a separate plane bringing in the grand total of 20? Give yourself a pat on the back again for being so sugooi.

What should Japan have done when only 20 people wanted to evacuate to Japan? Abduct them?

Kyo wa heiwa dayo neToday  03:18 pm JST

Seeking to play a greater role with accepting only 20 and what happened to the other 10 that was previously announced?

They turned down the offer.

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.

Again what the heck does G7 have got to do with this action? Tell us all.

gokai_wo_manekuToday  04:39 pm JST

People, read the news! Japan has admitted almost 400 Ukrainian refugees, not just 20.

Yep. These blind bashers should count those evacuees who flied to any G7 countries for free so far

Japan Embassy in Poland refused the request of a Ukrainian

with Short Stay Visa and Japanese guarantor.

https://youtu.be/WcbeRafC1fE

20 only ?

Selected on what criteria ?

YotomayaToday  03:40 pm JST

@OssanAmerica

My criticism is that this is a meaningless gesture.

If you were one of those 20 people, would you really consider it meaningless? .

Well said: @kurisupisu 4:42pm:

“20 refugees in Japan means what exactly?”

quercetumToday  05:59 pm JST

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

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.

Anything goes right? You just think so

@RodneyToday 09:26 am JST

Seems they dropped 10 people from the list?

according to Japanese tele last night, they didn’t want to come to Japan.

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.

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.

Gaijinland...

Just I’m guessing these 20 have family members already legally living in Japan.

Bingo! They do you guessed wisely.

A symbolic act with most earnest intentions.

Do more for Japanese people in Japan.

No one will disagree with you there.

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. 

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.

Ukrainian refugees would be much happier in Poland and other Eastern European countries than living in a totally different culture half a world away.

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.

Hopefully this foot in the door will lead to better things.

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.

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.

marcelitoToday  06:38 pm JST

20 whole people? Wow Japan, don't strain yourself there with that generosity.

You can bet it meant alot to those 20 people. While it means nothing to you but a Japan bashing point.'

It definetely means a lot to them...as it surely would to another couple of hundred that could have fit on that plane...mothers with little kids that wanna be as far away from the war as possible. J govt apologists will always retort to the ' you,re all just Japan bashing in response to any critcism. Lame, especially when they dont even live in Japan.

For these 20 Ukrainians, life in Asia will be very difficult,may Lord help them after relocation!

Difficult maybe, But infinity better than getting bombed or shot.

Thanks for making my point about them being better off far away from the bombs. ..we can agree on that.

Poland alone has close to 3 million ukranian refugees now. Pretty sure if they were asked more than 20 would gladly accept to be evacuated from the bursting at the seams Polish refugee camps. Have you had an experience of being in a refugee camp? I have, and i,d bet you any amount there,d be more than 20 people more than happy to get out of there.

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?????????????????????????????????????

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.

What an utterly surreal six weeks these people have endured.

@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?

It is insulting that Japan thinks this is of any help to the number of people displaced.

Yeah, they should just leave them behind. Why even bother right?

For these 20 Ukrainians, life in Asia will be very difficult,may Lord help them after relocation!

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.

GaijinjlandToday  09:37 pm JST

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.

> Mr KiplingToday  09:41 pm JST

Gaijinland...

Just I’m guessing these 20 have family members already legally living in Japan.

Bingo! They do you guessed wisely.

0( +0 / -0 )

Not Bingo exactly speaking. 5 out of 20 have no family/relative members nor acquaintance.

Check other source sometimes will you?

UdondashiToday  09:06 am JST

Japanese Government has donated more than 1.5 Billion Dollar, this is more than enough if you consider Japan is not part of NATO.

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

Perhaps the US Government should do more for obvious reasons.

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)?

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.

TynioToday  

You are very wrong that you can lose by helping Ukrainians

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.

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.

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.

You are very wrong that you can lose by helping

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.

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."

20 whole people? Wow Japan, don't strain yourself there with that generosity.

zichiToday  12:11 pm JST

Bringing back just 20 from a promised 30 is well, just so poor. The government should be ashamed of itself.

> -3( +0 / -3 )

> gogogoToday  12:06 pm JST

20 people? Just fill the plane... It is insulting that Japan thinks this is of any help to the number of people displaced.

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.

We should open a orphanage here. 

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.

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!

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.

Unless you are updated, Japan has already done directly to Poland in addition to the portion for Ukraine.

I can’t believe the government is bragging about this.

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.

I don't think China will be taking any refugees in given it's Russia's ally.

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.

Purple C-ClampToday  12:29 pm JST

20 whole people? Wow Japan, don't strain yourself there with that generosity.

You can bet it meant alot to those 20 people. While it means nothing to you but a Japan bashing point.

kennyGToday  09:30 pm JST

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.

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

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?

DO MORE JAPAN, you can't expect to be recognized as a leading democracy when you give less than you take.

I think people around the world are starting to wake up to the fact that Japan is neither leading nor a democracy.

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.

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!!

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.

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

elephant200Today 05:08 pm JST

For these 20 Ukrainians, life in Asia will be very difficult,may Lord help them after relocation

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.

*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?????????????????????????????????????

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...

20??? Is this even worth reporting? The number of Ukrainian refugees is not 430 people, it is more than 4.3 million. Hazukashikunai???

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.

Presumably Hayashi said '20 man', which got translated as 200,000 - where actually he literally meant '20 man'.

…but I still can’t enter the country

@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.

Haha 20..

Why?

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

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.

20 refugees ! what shame!

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.

@ 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.

If you were one of those 20 people, would you really consider it meaningless? .

Not sure. But I would definitely consider it meaningless if I wasn't one of the few lucky chosen ones.

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.

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….

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!!

20?… a gesture for appearance sake as expected.

20 people? Just fill the plane... It is insulting that Japan thinks this is of any help to the number of people displaced.

@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.

Hayashi returns from Poland with 20 Ukrainian

Anyway he's got some result!

Congratulation!

RodneyToday 02:29 pm JST

you do know that around 30% of Ukrainians speak Russian

Most of Ukrainian speak or at least understand Russian.

Only minority from west part of country use only Ukrainian.

Presumably Hayashi said '20 man', which got translated as 200,000 - where actually he literally meant '20 man'.

Brilliant!

“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.

DO MORE JAPAN, you can't expect to be recognized as a leading democracy when you give less than you take.

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.

Perhaps more people didn't want to come to Japan .

That's Perhaps what happened.

Understandable.

Very thoughtful gesture.

Seems they dropped 10 people from the list?

Must have forgot to account for the omiyage.

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.

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" !

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.

Less we forget: The United States to take in 100,000 Ukrainians. Japan: 47