As Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues, hearing-impaired people and their families are evacuated to Midori City, Gunma Prefecture, and the city and others are planning to support their lives.
Five people, including Bozko Volodimir (48) and Sydorchuk Oleksandr (52), evacuated to Midori City and arrived at Narita Airport on the evening of the 20th.
Four adults other than 7-year-old Yudicky Egor have severe hearing loss.
In late February, Mr. Volodimir and Mr. Oleksandr escaped from Kieu, the capital of Ukraine, and then moved to an Italian shelter via several countries.
The two had visited Japan for sightseeing eight years ago, and at that time, they were in charge of a guide and were invited by Masayuki Fukino of Midori City, who is also hearing impaired, to evacuate with their family members. became.
Through a sign language interpreter, Mr. Volodimir said, "I was finally relieved when I came to Japan. I was very happy to have someone to support me."
Mr. Fukino exchanged through international sign language and said, "It is not perfect, but communication is smooth. I am glad that I was able to evacuate safely. I would like to continue to support politely."
The city will have five people move into municipal housing to support schooling and employment, and the city's Deaf Association and the prefecture's hearing-impaired federation will also support their lives.
Shunsuke Koike, chief of the Midori City Planning Division, said, "I think the five people were quite tired, but when they arrived, they looked very cheerful and relieved. I would like to provide detailed support."