Japan provides support for children with disabilities in Ukraine

From NHK World

July 23 2025

TOKYO – Japan has provided rehabilitation equipment to Ukraine to help support children with disabilities.

More than 130 items are being delivered to the capital city of Kyiv through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The gear includes electric wheelchairs, and robot suits, which help wearers move their lower limbs with less effort.

A handover ceremony was held at the rehabilitation center for children with disabilities in Kyiv on Tuesday. Some children tried out the devices.

One rehabilitation system developed by a Japanese firm works like a video game. A sensor reads the user’s actions and moves a character on a monitor.

The number of children with disabilities has risen in Kyiv as many have fled to the city since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The shortage of rehab equipment has become a challenge.

Deputy Mayor Maryna Khonda, who is in charge of social affairs, said she is grateful for the latest devices which are hard to obtain in her country. She said such support is especially important for Ukraine as they help children with their rehabilitation and studies.

Japan’s Ambassador to Ukraine Nakagome Masashi said he hopes Japanese technology in fields such as nursing care will be of help to Ukrainian people with disabilities.