Ukrainians who came to Japan after escaping Russia's invasion of their homeland have marked their host country's Star Festival by making wishes for the war to end.

Legend has it that two lovers, represented by two stars, are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on July 7.

People in Japan celebrate the day by writing their wishes on strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo.

About 40 Ukrainians from the greater Tokyo area took part in a Star Festival event in the Japanese capital on Thursday. It was held by an exchange center supporting evacuees from the war.

One of the participants wrote down a wish for the swift return of peace to Ukraine, while another hoped for the safety of friends and relatives still in the country.

The evacuees were also treated to Japanese summer delicacies -- cold noodles and shaved ice desserts.

One participant said she learned about Japanese culture and talked with other evacuees, which gave her the feeling that she is not alone.

A 13-year-old boy said he hopes the war will be over as soon as possible.

The representative of the exchange center, Ukiyo Mariko, said many evacuees are mentally exhausted, not only because of the impact of the war, but also due to the unfamiliar environment in Japan.

She added that her center will support evacuees so that they will not become socially isolated.