Japan’s Education Minister Visits Irpin and Bucha

On Monday, July 29, Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science, Masahito Moriyama, arrived in Kyiv, according to the Japanese Embassy in Ukraine’s social media.

Japan has contributed to the restoration of several educational institutions affected by Russian invasion.

Moriyama visited Irpin and Bucha in Kyiv region and toured the Nemishayskyi Vocational College of the National University of Bioresources and Nature Management of Ukraine, where he observed student practical classes.

"Moriama visited Irpin, a city that became a shield against the attack on the capital. He also visited the Irpin Bridge, which Ukraine was forced to blow up for defensive purposes," says the statement. “The Minister of Education and Science observed the training and practical work of students using agricultural construction equipment, personal computers, and other supplies provided by the Japanese government agency. Seeing the students’ eyes light up during their practical work even under such challenging conditions, the minister and his delegation were convinced that the professional growth of this youth will be a driving force for Ukraine’s recovery. Japan will continue to actively support Ukrainian students.”

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had previously provided the college with agricultural construction equipment, PCs, and other supplies.

“Minister Moriyama also visited the Ukrainian-Japanese Center at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) named after Sikorsky. He explored the center's activities and had a discussion with the rector of KPI, Mr. Melnychenko. Thanks to a virtual classroom, he was also able to meet with students online,” the statement said.

The embassy noted that during his visit, the minister plans to hold a series of meetings with Ukrainian counterparts to discuss joint projects and opportunities for collaboration in the cultural and educational sectors.

The Russian army entered Kyiv region on February 27, 2022. During the 33 days of occupation, Russian forces committed over 9,000 war crimes in the Bucha district and killed more than 1,400 civilians, including 37 children. The Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated the city on March 31. It was only after the liberation of the Kyiv region that world leaders began to make statements regarding the genocidal nature of the Russian army’s war crimes in Ukraine.