News Most Ukrainian evacuees in Japan unwilling to return

According to a recent survey conducted by the Japanese YMCA, about 90% of Ukrainians who have fled to Japan following Russia's invasion of its neighbour are not willing to return home even if the war ends. The survey of 153 Ukrainian evacuees last month revealed that only 16, or 10.5%, said they would return home immediately if a cease-fire is reached. By contrast, 72 people, or 47.1%, said they want to settle in Japan, with some citing concerns over the economic situation in Ukraine and others saying that Japanese is easier for their children to understand. Meanwhile, 62 respondents, or 40.5%, said they would wait in Japan for the time being to see how the Ukraine situation develops.

One of the participants, a 16-year-old girl, attends a junior high school in Japan and plays volleyball, her favourite sport, while taking online classes at a Ukrainian school. She said she is happy in Japan and feels at home, noting that her anxiety is receding as she remains in the country. The girl also said that she hopes to enter a Japanese high school and is aiming to pass the entrance examination.

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On TV, one young Ukrainian explained that he loved Japan but found it hard to make friends.

If I was was in their situation, I'd probably want to stay in Japan, too. As the young Ukrainian laments, it can be hard to make friends, but learning the language helps immensely. I've found that making new friends is just plain difficult everywhere, especially as one gets older. You need some reason to spend enough time together, as in a job or school or some other club. Outside of that, it's tough, whether you're in Japan or not.

This is understandable, the future of Ukraine is uncertain so long as Putin continues to cast his shadow over it. If they're from the conflict zones, it's a hard sell to return to a war-scarred countryside where so much work is required just to get back what's been destroyed.

I'm from a more peaceful corner of the world and I feel a bit like a refugee whenever I return to Japan.

Mikawa Ossan said:

I've found that making new friends is just plain difficult everywhere, especially as one gets older.

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It's absolutely horrible. It feels as if everyone around me already have the number of friends they need and there's no room for new ones. I can meet loads of interesting people on the internet and have incredibly interesting chats but it's a completely different story in real life. And if you do decide to meet up with a group of people, you realise everyone is less than half your age and it's past your bedtime anyway so you might as well call it a night >_>
Also, hearing, "I'm so stoked to see old people play games, too!" isn't the compliment the speaker thinks it is ;_;

You're quote Also, hearing, "I'm so stoked to see old people play games, too!" isn't the compliment the speaker thinks it is ;_;" I experienced a bit yesterday. I was doing sprints in a park and got "Wooo! Grandpa's got wheels!" grandpa!?! I am in my 50s. Ouch.