A church in Yokohama, near Tokyo, has held a Christmas Eve charity concert in support of Ukraine.

More than 170 people gathered for the event on Saturday, which marked 10 months since Russia began its invasion in February. Musicians played Christmas-themed pieces. There was also a reading from a picture book.

Saxophone player Igarashi Kenta has a Ukrainian mother and a Japanese father. He had been living in Ukraine since childhood, but fled to Japan in March. He says his mother and brother are still in Ukraine.

Igarashi performed Ukrainian folk songs, drawing big applause from the audience.

Donations were collected after the concert. Those who made contributions received a Ukrainian flag pin.

A sixth grader voiced hope that people in Ukraine will be able to return to their normal lives soon.

Igarashi said he wants to give more performances in other venues to help people take their minds off difficulties and feel happy.