Ukrainian evacuees in Japan have begun taking government-backed Japanese language lessons online.

The lessons by a Japanese language school in Tokyo were organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and other bodies.

On Tuesday, a Ukrainian woman in her 20s took part from a home in Kanagawa Prefecture where she has been taking shelter.

Her teacher used gestures to convey everyday Japanese phrases.

The woman repeated the phrases for "I came from Ukraine" and "Thank you for the meal."

She later said the lesson was fun. She also said Japanese people are warm and kind, and that she's getting interested in Japanese culture. She expressed hope to remain in the country to study and find a job.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs says it began the lessons because some municipalities that have taken in evacuees have few Japanese language classes.

It says the aim is to have students learn basic conversation in about two months.

Agency official Soda Kyosuke said there was strong demand from evacuees for language lessons. He added that he hopes they will become accustomed to life in Japan as soon as possible.