Books On Ukraine And Russia Drawing Interest In Japan
Books on Ukraine, including those on the country's language, are drawing interest from people in Japan. Introductory books for Ukrainian learners have sold out at a store in Tokyo.
The large bookstore in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district set up a section for books about Ukraine and Russia soon after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. About 100 books on display include those on Ukraine's history and Russia's military.
Store staff say the books are drawing many inquiries from customers. They also say Ukrainian-language books for beginners have recently sold out or are nearly out of stock. They add that previously, such books sold at a rate of only about one copy every six months.
More than 400 Ukrainians have fled their country to Japan, including those who arrived by a government plane on Tuesday.
Customers stopped by the section soon after the store opened on Wednesday.
A man in his 50s said people appear to be more interested in Ukraine and gaining deeper understanding of the country. He said he wants to treat Ukrainians who have fled to Japan naturally, and not be overly concerned about them.
Anzai Chikako of Junkudo Bookstore's main outlet in Ikebukuro said she wants people to take an open-minded approach to the books on Ukraine and Russia. She added that people in Japan may have more chances to meet Ukrainians from now on and that she hopes they can find books that will be helpful.