Ukrainians who fled to Japan because of Russia's invasion have shared their experiences at an event held ahead of the conflict's two-year anniversary.

The National Council of YMCAs of Japan organized Friday's meeting in Tokyo. About 50 people including support staff took part.

One Ukrainian woman in her 40s who works at a law firm in the capital offers advice to evacuees.

She says some have chosen to return to Ukraine because schools and universities require a high level of Japanese-language proficiency.

She also said learning Japanese is difficult, and called for educational support.

One 19-year-old language student said in Japanese that making friends is difficult because people think he will return to Ukraine.

Event official Yokoyama Yuria pointed out that the evacuees are at different stages of their lives and face a variety of challenges, such as jobs and children's education.

She added that the council of YMCAs will promote cooperation between the public and private sectors to generate more support.