Ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20, Plan International Releases New Survey: "Current Situation and Challenges of Ukrainian Refugee Women Living in Japan"
Key facts
- Ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20, Plan International Releases New Survey: "Current Situation and Challenges of Ukrainian Refugee Women Living in Japan"
- Plan International, an international NGO, has released a survey of 50 Ukrainian refugee women living in Japan. While facing challenges such as anxiety due to conflict, isolation, and adaptation to life in Japan, they also express a strong desire to contribute to peacebuilding. The report recommends the need for flexible participation opportunities and information provision.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 12, 2026
Direct answer
Plan International, an international NGO, has released a survey of 50 Ukrainian refugee women living in Japan. While facing challenges such as anxiety due to conflict, isolation, and adaptation to life in Japan, they also express a strong desire to contribute to peacebuilding. The report recommends the need for flexible participation opportunities and information provision.
- Citation
- Ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20, Plan International Releases New Survey: "Current Situation and Challenges of Ukrainian Refugee Women Living in Japan" (June 12, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 12, 2026
Plan International, an international NGO, has released a survey of 50 Ukrainian refugee women living in Japan. While facing challenges such as anxiety due to conflict, isolation, and adaptation to life in Japan, they also express a strong desire to contribute to peacebuilding. The report recommends the need for flexible participation opportunities and information provision.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 19:10
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 10:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:52 (6h 31m after Collected)
Plan International, an international NGO (Location: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Chairperson: Kiyoko Ikegami; hereinafter referred to as Plan), today announced the release of its survey titled "Current Situation and Challenges of Ukrainian Refugee Women Living in Japan." This survey examines the current situation and challenges faced by Ukrainian refugee women living in Japan, as well as their potential to contribute to their home country by leveraging their own experiences, ahead of "World Refugee Day" on June 20th.
This survey was conducted with 50 Ukrainian refugee women residing in Japan. It clarifies the specific challenges women face due to conflict and displacement, and analyzes them within the framework of "Women, Peace and Security (WPS)," which focuses on the important role women play in reconstruction and peacebuilding.
In conjunction with the release of this survey, an event titled "World Refugee Day: Their Voices Shape the Future - Thinking about Peace, Reconstruction, and Connections with Japan with Ukrainian Women" will be held on June 19th, the day before World Refugee Day.
Current Situation of Ukrainian Refugees in Japan
As of February 2026, four years have passed since the full-scale conflict began in Ukraine. Approximately 6 million Ukrainians are still forced to live as refugees abroad, and 1,943 Ukrainian refugees are staying in Japan, the majority of whom are women. While facing difficulties associated with displacement and migration, and challenges in adapting to life, they possess a strong desire to contribute to society and are engaged in activities that serve as bridges for supporting Ukraine and promoting intercultural exchange in Japan. However, opportunities and an environment that allow for continuous and stable participation in such activities are not yet sufficiently established.
Their understanding and experiences of both Japanese and Ukrainian societies and values are crucial elements that contribute to the realization of peace, mutual understanding, and the strengthening of cooperative relations between the two countries. To leverage these insights for enhanced cooperation with Ukraine, Japan, and countries worldwide, more appropriate opportunities and support systems are needed.
About This Survey
This survey aims to clarify the current situation and future aspirations of Ukrainian refugee women residing in Japan, as well as to identify the main challenges they face in participating in Ukraine support and peacebuilding efforts. The survey was conducted through interviews and questionnaires with the participants.
Furthermore, based on the survey results, this report proposes measures and initiatives to enable women displaced by conflict to participate more actively in the peacebuilding process and fully utilize their experiences and potential.
≫ Full report "Current Situation and Challenges of Ukrainian Refugee Women Living in Japan" here
≫ Preliminary report here
≫ Event planned by author Anna Sholohodovska here
Key Survey Findings
Anxiety and Psychological Impact due to the Situation in Ukraine
78% responded "very anxious" or "extremely anxious" about the situation. This anxiety may affect their physical and mental health, daily life, and adaptation to Japanese society.
Conversely, this psychological state also appears to increase their motivation to engage in socially meaningful activities.
This suggests that anxiety about the situation impacts both psychological and behavioral aspects.
Changes in Social Isolation and Improved Well-being
The proportion of people experiencing loneliness has generally decreased compared to immediately after displacement.
This is thought to be due to the formation of connections among Ukrainians and participation in support activities.
Changes in Awareness Due to Experiences of Conflict and Displacement
Experiences of conflict and displacement have increased their interest in peace and support for Ukraine.
This leads to a desire to act proactively as members of society.
Structural and Resource Challenges Hindering Participation
Lack of time and resources associated with adapting to life in Japan, and language barriers.
Many perceive limited opportunities to engage in support and peacebuilding.
Impact of Prolonged Conflict on Future Planning
All respondents believe that the early end of the conflict is unlikely.
As adaptation to life in Japan progresses, an increasing number are considering settling in Japan or living a life that involves commuting between Japan and Ukraine.
This is due to concerns about safety and the difficulty of readjusting upon return.
Expectations for Flexible Engagement in Reconstruction
Various ways of engaging in reconstruction are being explored, without assuming permanent return.
There is an intention to utilize experiences and skills gained in Japan in areas such as cultural preservation, social support, and education.
Many express a desire to contribute to reconstruction in a way that benefits both Japan and Ukraine.
Engagement in Ukrainian Peacebuilding as Self-Realization
About 60% have increased their motivation to participate in society, triggered by their awareness of contributing to reconstruction and their experiences of displacement.
This also provides opportunities for skill development, career formation, and economic independence.
Engagement in socially meaningful activities is viewed as a means of self-realization.
Needs for Effective Social Participation
Easy-to-understand and accessible information provision (over 75%)
Simple and transparent participation process (over 70%)
Flexible participation formats, especially online engagement (approx. 70%)
Financial stability (approx. 80%)
Recommendations for Self-Realization of Displaced Women Based on WPS
Introduce flexible engagement formats, including remote participation, project-based collaboration, and part-time employment, to enable participation in peacebuilding support while residing outside Ukraine.
Establish an information platform that centrally aggregates opportunities and project information related to Ukraine support and intergovernmental cooperation.
Create mechanisms that connect women's skills with the needs of organizations and institutions through mentoring, career support, and short-term projects with clear and accessible participation conditions.
Strengthen information provision, participation support, and coordination functions by Ukrainian civil society organizations (CSOs) abroad.
Develop an environment that allows for the simultaneous pursuit of skill development and contribution to reconstruction by expanding mid- to long-term participation opportunities with fair remuneration and financial stability.
About the Author of This Report
Anna Sholohodovska
Affiliated with the Advocacy Group at Plan International Japan.
After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in History from Mariupol State University, she earned Master's degrees in Secondary Education, History, and Journalism from the same university's graduate school. She built a career in education, including teaching history at a Mariupol secondary school and creating English and developmental education curricula for infants and toddlers, while also working as a journalist for a Mariupol city news website.
She evacuated from Mariupol, Ukraine, to Japan on May 28, 2022. She joined Plan in December of the same year. Currently, in the Advocacy Group, she conducts research and gives lectures on Ukrainian refugees and plans workshops utilizing her career as a teacher in Ukraine.
≫ Author's blog here
≫ Report by the author here
Plan International, an international NGO, works with children, youth, and various stakeholders in over 80 countries worldwide to realize a world where everyone is equal and just. We identify the causes of inequality faced by children and girls and work to resolve them. We support children from birth to adulthood, enabling them to overcome difficulties and adversity through their own strength.
Keywords:
This survey was conducted with 50 Ukrainian refugee women residing in Japan. It clarifies the specific challenges women face due to conflict and displacement, and analyzes them within the framework of "Women, Peace and Security (WPS)," which focuses on the important role women play in reconstruction and peacebuilding.
In conjunction with the release of this survey, an event titled "World Refugee Day: Their Voices Shape the Future - Thinking about Peace, Reconstruction, and Connections with Japan with Ukrainian Women" will be held on June 19th, the day before World Refugee Day.
Current Situation of Ukrainian Refugees in Japan
As of February 2026, four years have passed since the full-scale conflict began in Ukraine. Approximately 6 million Ukrainians are still forced to live as refugees abroad, and 1,943 Ukrainian refugees are staying in Japan, the majority of whom are women. While facing difficulties associated with displacement and migration, and challenges in adapting to life, they possess a strong desire to contribute to society and are engaged in activities that serve as bridges for supporting Ukraine and promoting intercultural exchange in Japan. However, opportunities and an environment that allow for continuous and stable participation in such activities are not yet sufficiently established.
Their understanding and experiences of both Japanese and Ukrainian societies and values are crucial elements that contribute to the realization of peace, mutual understanding, and the strengthening of cooperative relations between the two countries. To leverage these insights for enhanced cooperation with Ukraine, Japan, and countries worldwide, more appropriate opportunities and support systems are needed.
About This Survey
This survey aims to clarify the current situation and future aspirations of Ukrainian refugee women residing in Japan, as well as to identify the main challenges they face in participating in Ukraine support and peacebuilding efforts. The survey was conducted through interviews and questionnaires with the participants.
Furthermore, based on the survey results, this report proposes measures and initiatives to enable women displaced by conflict to participate more actively in the peacebuilding process and fully utilize their experiences and potential.
≫ Full report "Current Situation and Challenges of Ukrainian Refugee Women Living in Japan" here
≫ Preliminary report here
≫ Event planned by author Anna Sholohodovska here
Key Survey Findings
Anxiety and Psychological Impact due to the Situation in Ukraine
78% responded "very anxious" or "extremely anxious" about the situation. This anxiety may affect their physical and mental health, daily life, and adaptation to Japanese society.
Conversely, this psychological state also appears to increase their motivation to engage in socially meaningful activities.
This suggests that anxiety about the situation impacts both psychological and behavioral aspects.
Changes in Social Isolation and Improved Well-being
The proportion of people experiencing loneliness has generally decreased compared to immediately after displacement.
This is thought to be due to the formation of connections among Ukrainians and participation in support activities.
Changes in Awareness Due to Experiences of Conflict and Displacement
Experiences of conflict and displacement have increased their interest in peace and support for Ukraine.
This leads to a desire to act proactively as members of society.
Structural and Resource Challenges Hindering Participation
Lack of time and resources associated with adapting to life in Japan, and language barriers.
Many perceive limited opportunities to engage in support and peacebuilding.
Impact of Prolonged Conflict on Future Planning
All respondents believe that the early end of the conflict is unlikely.
As adaptation to life in Japan progresses, an increasing number are considering settling in Japan or living a life that involves commuting between Japan and Ukraine.
This is due to concerns about safety and the difficulty of readjusting upon return.
Expectations for Flexible Engagement in Reconstruction
Various ways of engaging in reconstruction are being explored, without assuming permanent return.
There is an intention to utilize experiences and skills gained in Japan in areas such as cultural preservation, social support, and education.
Many express a desire to contribute to reconstruction in a way that benefits both Japan and Ukraine.
Engagement in Ukrainian Peacebuilding as Self-Realization
About 60% have increased their motivation to participate in society, triggered by their awareness of contributing to reconstruction and their experiences of displacement.
This also provides opportunities for skill development, career formation, and economic independence.
Engagement in socially meaningful activities is viewed as a means of self-realization.
Needs for Effective Social Participation
Easy-to-understand and accessible information provision (over 75%)
Simple and transparent participation process (over 70%)
Flexible participation formats, especially online engagement (approx. 70%)
Financial stability (approx. 80%)
Recommendations for Self-Realization of Displaced Women Based on WPS
Introduce flexible engagement formats, including remote participation, project-based collaboration, and part-time employment, to enable participation in peacebuilding support while residing outside Ukraine.
Establish an information platform that centrally aggregates opportunities and project information related to Ukraine support and intergovernmental cooperation.
Create mechanisms that connect women's skills with the needs of organizations and institutions through mentoring, career support, and short-term projects with clear and accessible participation conditions.
Strengthen information provision, participation support, and coordination functions by Ukrainian civil society organizations (CSOs) abroad.
Develop an environment that allows for the simultaneous pursuit of skill development and contribution to reconstruction by expanding mid- to long-term participation opportunities with fair remuneration and financial stability.
About the Author of This Report
Anna Sholohodovska
Affiliated with the Advocacy Group at Plan International Japan.
After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in History from Mariupol State University, she earned Master's degrees in Secondary Education, History, and Journalism from the same university's graduate school. She built a career in education, including teaching history at a Mariupol secondary school and creating English and developmental education curricula for infants and toddlers, while also working as a journalist for a Mariupol city news website.
She evacuated from Mariupol, Ukraine, to Japan on May 28, 2022. She joined Plan in December of the same year. Currently, in the Advocacy Group, she conducts research and gives lectures on Ukrainian refugees and plans workshops utilizing her career as a teacher in Ukraine.
≫ Author's blog here
≫ Report by the author here
Plan International, an international NGO, works with children, youth, and various stakeholders in over 80 countries worldwide to realize a world where everyone is equal and just. We identify the causes of inequality faced by children and girls and work to resolve them. We support children from birth to adulthood, enabling them to overcome difficulties and adversity through their own strength.
Keywords:
FAQ
Who conducted this survey?
The survey was conducted by the international NGO Plan International.
Who were the subjects of the survey?
The survey targeted 50 Ukrainian refugee women residing in Japan.
What were the key focuses of the survey?
The survey focused on the unique challenges faced by women due to conflict and displacement, and the role of women in reconstruction and peacebuilding.
What kind of support is needed based on the survey findings?
Improvements in information provision, clarification of participation processes, flexible participation formats, and financial stability are needed.
What was the purpose of this survey?
The purpose was to clarify the current situation and challenges of Ukrainian refugee women and to identify issues in their participation in peacebuilding, leading to recommendations for future support measures.