A Ukrainian ballet teacher who has evacuated to Japan spoke about her ordeal since Russia's invasion began.

Yuliia Verlan met reporters in Tokyo on Tuesday.

She arrived in Japan on April 16 and is staying at a hotel in Musashino City, western Tokyo.

Verlan said soon after the invasion began, she and her mother had to live in a shelter in the basement of their home in Kyiv.

She said they left Kyiv in mid-March when the situation became more dangerous and evacuated to Hungary.

She came to Japan by herself. She has an acquaintance and had visited the country several times as a ballet instructor.

Verlan said she was scared when she heard the sound of explosions and airstrikes.

Calling Japan her second home, the dancer said she loves Japanese culture and she is happy to be in a safe country, adding that she wants to stay as long as possible.

She expressed gratitude for the support she has received.

She added that she wants to learn the language and culture of Japan and teach ballet to children.

Verlan is scheduled to perform at a recital of a ballet class in Musashino on Saturday.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to support people with disabilities in Ukraine.

She said she will pray for peace and for people in Ukraine through her dance, and asked people in Japan to join her in praying that the war will end.