Japan’s First Big‑Air Welcome for Ukrainian Refugees
On Tuesday, April 5, the Japanese government pulled a whopping 20 Ukrainian refugees onto a special government plane, landing them straight in Tokyo. It’s the first time these folks were flown in on a state‑run jet, a move that signals Japan is stepping up its support for Ukraine, even though the country has historically been tight‑shell on foreigners.
Who Are the 20?
- Age range: 6 to 66 years old
- 15 women and 5 men
- They’ve all gone through onboard Covid‑19 testing before touching down at the airport
Why This Flight Matters
While Japan has already welcomed nearly 400 Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion on February 24, this is the first arrival on a government plane. It’s a visible signal of Japan’s growing willingness to give a hand to those fleeing conflict.
Official Statements
Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who was visiting Poland to assess the refugee situation, announced Japan’s commitment to give these 20 a sense of peace in Tokyo, even though they’re far from home.
Policy Behind the Numbers
- Most of the newcomers will enter on a 90‑day visa, which can be extended to a one‑year special visa that allows them to work.
- Japan admitted only 47 refugees in 2020, a tiny fraction of total applications.
- Japan has been a staunch US ally, condemning Russia’s invasion and imposing sanctions.
What We Still Don’t Know
Officials did not disclose why exactly those 20 were selected or if more flights are in the works, citing privacy concerns. One can only hope the government will keep rolling out more of these lifesaving shuttles.
