The Japanese government has confirmed that it will step up coordinated measures to accept and support people who are fleeing Ukraine.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Justice Minister Furukawa Yoshihisa attended a panel meeting on the issue at the prime minister's office on Friday.

They confirmed that Japan will accept anyone seeking entry from Ukraine at any time, starting on Friday.

Japan will speed up the issuance of visas by simplifying application documents. Representatives will be allowed to file applications for groups of individuals.

People from Ukraine will be handled separately in terms of the current border control measures against the coronavirus. They will be allowed to enter Japan without providing negative test results for the virus.

The Japanese government will set up a task force headed by Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Takizaki Shigeki to coordinate the support measures.

The task force will work with relevant ministries and agencies, as well as local governments and businesses to help people smoothly transition to life in Japan. They will provide accommodation for the evacuees, including those without relatives or acquaintances in Japan.

The chief cabinet secretary has instructed officials to provide the necessary support to people who are relying on Japan after fleeing Ukraine amid severe circumstances.