An event introducing traditional Ukrainian cuisine and music has been held in Japan. Nearly 18 months have passed since the Russian invasion began, and many Ukrainian people are living in exile, including in Japan.

The event was held on Saturday in the city of Urayasu near Tokyo. It drew families who came to learn about Ukraine and its people.

Staff from the Ukrainian Embassy in Japan helped participants cook borscht, a traditional Ukrainian home-style dish.

Ukrainian musician Kateryna Gudzii, who lives in Japan, played a Ukrainian stringed instrument called the bandura.

She explained after the performance that she played a lullaby that last year became a cry for her. She added that there is not a day that she does not think of Ukraine, though she lives in peaceful Japan.

A junior high school girl said that she could not understand the lyrics as it was in the Ukrainian language, but she could feel the singer's emotions. She added that war hurts innocent people and that she hopes for a world without a war.