The first Ukraine Festival in Tokyo was held over the weekend in Yoyogi Park to support Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion.
The festival was held in cooperation with people running Ukrainian restaurants and the Ukrainian Embassy in Japan.
About 30 booths sold traditional Ukrainian crafts such as accessories, ceramics and candles, and local dishes and wine.
Live shows were also held, including a performance by a dancer who was injured in battle and lost his brother. A popular Ukrainian singer performed and shared their experiences from back in Ukraine.
One of the organizers of the event, Kikuchi Takashi, who manages a Ukrainian restaurant with his Ukrainian wife, said he hopes the festival will help more people get to know the country and lead to further support.
NHK also set up a booth to inform festivalgoers about its Ukrainian-language news, programs and disaster information.
A Japanese man in his 30s said he came to the event in hopes of supporting Ukraine. He said he would like to continue supporting as much as he can.