# About us: Ukraine aid from Kurashiki, Okayama | NPO EURASIA > Learn about the work of NPO EURASIA in Kurashiki, Okayama. We send ambulances and fire engines provided by municipalities in Okayama Prefecture to Ukraine, along with medical supplies such as tourniquets, wheelchairs and medical clothing. We also run cultural exchanges. About us # About NPO EURASIA Specified Nonprofit Corporation EURASIA is a nonprofit based in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, that sends ambulances and fire engines provided by municipalities in Okayama Prefecture to Ukraine, along with medical supplies such as tourniquets. The Embassy of Ukraine in Japan has designated us to handle the procedures for shipping these vehicles overseas. [Donate to move the ambulance](https://npoeurasia.org/en/#edl-give)[See our transparency page](https://npoeurasia.org/en/transparency/) ![An ambulance waiting to leave for Ukraine at the send-off ceremony on September 4, 2024](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ambulance-768.961bd4a732.webp) The send-off ceremony in front of the Okayama Prefectural Government building, September 4, 2024. Photo: courtesy of Okayama Prefecture - [01Our track record](#edl-numbers) - [02Activities](#edl-activities) - [03Work with schools](#edl-schools) - [04Record of exchanges](#edl-exchange) - [05Our history](#edl-timeline) - [06Messages](#edl-messages) - [07The “thank yous” reaching us](#edl-voices) Our track record ## What we have sent - ****Ambulances and fire engines - ****Receiving municipalities - ****Tourniquets - ****Wheelchairs - ****Medical clothing items As of September 2026. Vehicles are counted as sent. [See the public records for each shipment](https://npoeurasia.org/en/transparency/#edl-shipments) Activities ## Our 4 activities ![A fire engine delivered to Mykolaivka, still bearing the name of the Tsuyama City Volunteer Fire Corps](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ev3-768.8c72dbe15b.webp) A fire engine delivered to Mykolaivka (Sumy Oblast). Photo: from an Okayama Prefecture announcement 01 ### Delivering ambulances and fire engines We send ambulances and fire engines provided by municipalities in Okayama Prefecture to municipalities in Ukraine, after obtaining the proper export permits. The receiving municipalities use them for emergency medical transport and firefighting. ![Tourniquets to be sent to Ukraine](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-medical-aid-520.b2dfc34eca.webp) 02 ### Buying and shipping medical supplies We buy medical supplies such as tourniquets and send them to areas still suffering from the fighting. So far we have sent 1,385 tourniquets. We have also sent rescue drones used for searches in areas that are hard to enter. ![A Ukrainian cultural exchange event](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-cultural-exchange-520.1d4d5f229a.webp) 03 ### Cultural exchange events To deepen mutual understanding between Ukraine and Japan, we hold charity concerts and exchange gatherings. Proceeds from charity events go toward vehicle shipping costs and medical supplies such as tourniquets. ![A gathering of Ukrainians talking around a table](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-evacuee-support-520.1dba7ba030.webp) 04 ### Support for Ukrainian evacuees We help Ukrainian evacuees living in Okayama Prefecture with daily life and create places where they can meet and connect. For schools and educators ## From learning at school to action that supports the world. Through exchanges with schools and classes on international understanding, we have created opportunities to think about Ukraine today and about humanitarian aid. Each school has developed its own activities, from students’ fundraising and cultural exchange to reports on how the money they entrusted to us was used. ### Record of our work with schools Every activity can be checked in articles the schools have published on their official websites. For photos of the activities, please see the schools’ articles. #### Seishin Girls’ High School Notre Dame Seishin Gakuen, Kurashiki, Okayama 2 activities - - International understanding - Fundraising and volunteering Held January 13, 2023 ##### Ukraine exchange meeting Liliya of NPO EURASIA and 2 students from Ukraine, evacuees we support who are studying in Japan, were invited to the UNESCO Club’s report meeting on its aid activities and an exchange gathering. The high school students entrusted us with the money the club had raised. TakeawayHearing directly about life in wartime, beyond what news reports convey, gave the students a chance to think about how to keep support from ending as a one-time act. [See the activity on the school’s website (in Japanese)](https://www.nd-seishin.ac.jp/topics/2023/01/post-501/) School article published January 14, 2023 - - Cultural exchange - Reporting back on the aid Held February 1, 2023 (according to our records) ##### Experiencing Ukrainian tradition Liliya of NPO EURASIA visited the school and showed the students how to make a motanka doll, a traditional Ukrainian amulet. According to the school’s article, the money entrusted to us at the exchange gathering in January was used in Ukraine for hemostatic agents, and the school received a report on this with photos. TakeawayLearning how their donations had helped let the students see for themselves that their support had made a real difference. The hands-on experience of tradition has also given them a reason to keep the exchange going. [See the activity on the school’s website (in Japanese)](https://www.nd-seishin.ac.jp/topics/2023/02/post-505/) School article published February 8, 2023 #### Kurashiki High School Kurashiki, Okayama 1 activity - - Fundraising and volunteering Held February 24, 2025 ##### Fundraising for Ukraine Students volunteered at a fundraising drive for Ukraine held in the underground passage from AEON Mall Okayama to Okayama Station. They took part through NPO EURASIA, on an introduction from Tamashima Shinkin Bank. TakeawayFor many of the students, it was their first fundraising drive. With more than 3 years gone by since the invasion began, it gave them a chance to take action themselves for the people of Ukraine. [See the activity on the school’s website (in Japanese)](https://www.kurashiki.ac.jp/2032/) School article published February 25, 2025 #### Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School Kurashiki, Okayama 2 activities - - International understanding Held August 20, 2025 ##### A discussion with Liliya from Ukraine Students of the Department of International Economics held a discussion with Liliya Babiy, Vice Chair of NPO EURASIA (the school’s article introduces her as “Liliya, who is from Ukraine and lives in Okayama”). Drawing on her own experience, she talked about life under air-raid alerts, the war that still goes on, and her hopes for peace. TakeawayAccording to the school’s article, the students learned about a reality they could not get from the news, and came to see that first learning the facts and then passing them on is something they can do. [See the activity on the school’s website (in Japanese)](https://www.kurasho.okayama-c.ed.jp/?p=54049) School article published August 21, 2025 - - International understanding Held December 11, 2025 ##### International understanding lecture Liliya Babiy, Vice Chair of NPO EURASIA, gave a lecture to year-3 students of the Department of International Economics. Drawing on her own experience, she spoke about Ukraine’s history and how the country came to be, and about the war that still goes on. After the lecture, she answered questions at a discussion with the English Speaking Society club and other interested students. TakeawayAccording to the school’s article, it was a time to learn the background of the war they had seen on the news, and to reflect that peaceful everyday life cannot be taken for granted. [See the activity on the school’s website (in Japanese)](https://www.kurasho.okayama-c.ed.jp/?p=55639)[Our report (January 27, 2026)](https://npoeurasia.org/en/international-understanding-lecture-eurasia/) School article published December 23, 2025 ### From learning to support, and from support to further learning In our work with Seishin Girls’ High School, the students learned that their donations had helped, and the exchange continued from there. When we work with schools, we value these 5 steps. - 1 Learn Hear directly from Ukrainians about their lives today. At Seishin Girls’ High SchoolAt the exchange gathering in January 2023, the students heard voices that news reports alone cannot convey. - 2 Think Students think for themselves about what they can do. At Seishin Girls’ High SchoolThe UNESCO Club has kept thinking about what its members can do, even though they cannot go to Ukraine. - 3 Take part Join fundraising and volunteering of their own free will. At Seishin Girls’ High SchoolAt the exchange gathering, the students entrusted us with the money raised by the club’s fundraising. - 4 See the results We tell them how the support they entrusted to us has helped. At Seishin Girls’ High SchoolWe reported, with photos, that the donations had been used in Ukraine for hemostatic agents. - 5 Keep learning Experience the culture and keep the exchange going. At Seishin Girls’ High SchoolThe students tried making motanka dolls, and the school wrote that it hopes to continue the exchange. At Seishin Girls’ High School, the fundraising had begun before the exchange gathering. The order can differ from school to school. ### Ways schools can get involved Each of these is something we have done with schools before. We will tell you about our current availability and schedule when you contact us. - Visiting lectures and classes on international understanding A lecturer from Ukraine talks about the country’s history and life today, drawing on personal experience. Past example: [Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School (December 2025)](#edl-sch-kurasho-2025-12) - Exchange gatherings and cultural experiences Students experience Ukrainian culture through meeting evacuees, making traditional amulets and more. Past example: [Seishin Girls’ High School (January 2023)](#edl-sch-seishin-2023-01) - Fundraising and volunteering Students join our fundraising drives as volunteers. Past example: [Kurashiki High School (February 2025)](#edl-sch-kurashiki-2025-02) - Reporting on entrusted support We let the school know how the money it entrusted to us was used. Past example: [Seishin Girls’ High School (February 2023)](#edl-sch-seishin-2023-02) Delivering ambulances and fire engines is a separate program, carried out with vehicles provided by municipalities. We do not present money entrusted to us by schools as having paid for that shipping. The history of the shipments, with the records we have published, is on our home page. [See the shipment records](https://npoeurasia.org/en/#edl-board) ### Talk to us about working with your school. We welcome inquiries from teachers about visiting lectures, exchange gatherings, taking part in fundraising and more. Please use our contact page to tell us your school’s name and what you have in mind. [Talk to us about your school](https://npoeurasia.org/en/contact/) [See how to donate](https://npoeurasia.org/en/donate/) As of September 28, 2026 Record of exchanges ## A dialogue with Ukraine that began in Okayama. In June 2024, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan visited Okayama. Our Chair and Vice Chair were invited to the welcome reception, and the next day we coordinated the participants for the ambassador’s meeting with Ukrainians living in the prefecture. - 6.232024 (Sun) 17:30–19:30 Day 1, evening ### Welcome reception for the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan - **Venue**：ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama - **Invitation**：Issued in the name of the Governor of Okayama Prefecture Representatives of business organizations in the prefecture were also invited to the reception for Ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky, who was visiting Okayama. From NPO EURASIA, our Chair, Yoshinori Oki, attended, and our Vice Chair, Liliya Babiy, attended as a Ukrainian living in the prefecture. ![A banquet hall on an upper floor of a hotel. The ambassador stands in front of a long table and speaks to the seated guests](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0623-speech-1024.4c92e57f87.webp) Ambassador Korsunsky speaking at the welcome receptionJune 23, 2024 ![A banquet hall on an upper floor of a hotel. The ambassador stands in front of a long table and speaks to the seated guests](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0623-speech-1024.4c92e57f87.webp) Ambassador Korsunsky speaking at the welcome reception (June 23, 2024) Close ![Governor Ryuta Ibaragi (left) and the ambassador (right) face each other in front of a white folding screen, holding a hand-painted dish](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0623-gift-1024.2682ffcfd0.webp) Governor Ryuta Ibaragi and the ambassador at the end of the welcome receptionJune 23, 2024 ![Governor Ryuta Ibaragi (left) and the ambassador (right) face each other in front of a white folding screen, holding a hand-painted dish](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0623-gift-1024.2682ffcfd0.webp) Governor Ryuta Ibaragi and the ambassador at the end of the welcome reception (June 23, 2024) Close - 6.242024 (Mon) 11:00–12:30 Day 2, morning ### Lecture by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan Theme: “Learn about Ukraine today!” - **Venue**：Okayama International Center - **Organizer**：Okayama Council for the Promotion of International Contribution (co-hosted with the Okayama Prefecture Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Okayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry) A lecture in which the ambassador spoke in his own words about Ukraine today. It was announced as open to everyone. On the same day, the ambassador paid a courtesy call on Governor Ryuta Ibaragi and thanked him for accepting evacuees (Okayama Prefecture announcement). ![The ambassador speaking at a lectern. On the slide behind him are the coat of arms of Ukraine and the word “FREEDOM”](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0624-lecture-1024.049abb77ff.webp) Ambassador Korsunsky speaking at the lectureJune 24, 2024 ![The ambassador speaking at a lectern. On the slide behind him are the coat of arms of Ukraine and the word “FREEDOM”](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0624-lecture-1024.049abb77ff.webp) Ambassador Korsunsky speaking at the lecture (June 24, 2024) Close - 6.242024 (Mon) Day 2, after the lecture ### Meeting with the ambassador A meeting between the ambassador and Ukrainians living in the prefecture - **Venue**：Same venue as the lecture - **Participants**：We compiled the list of participants After the lecture, the ambassador and Ukrainians living in the prefecture sat around tables and talked. ![The ambassador talking across a table with participants in embroidered traditional dress](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0624-dialogue-1024.a680a3d0c4.webp) The meeting after the lectureJune 24, 2024 ![The ambassador talking across a table with participants in embroidered traditional dress](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0624-dialogue-1024.a680a3d0c4.webp) The meeting after the lecture (June 24, 2024) Close ![Group photo of about 17 people, some in traditional dress, lined up at the front of the venue](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0624-group-1024.770350f7b0.webp) Meeting participants with the ambassadorJune 24, 2024 ![Group photo of about 17 people, some in traditional dress, lined up at the front of the venue](https://npoeurasia.org/img/ex-0624-group-1024.770350f7b0.webp) Meeting participants with the ambassador (June 24, 2024) Close All photos were taken on the day by our Chair. They are published with the consent of the people shown. ### From dialogue to the first send-off ceremony After the ambassador’s visit to Okayama, municipalities in the prefecture began handing over ambulances and fire engines in response to Okayama Prefecture’s call. The details are as set out in Okayama Prefecture’s announcements. - 1 The ambassador’s request June 24, 2024 During his courtesy call on the governor, the ambassador asked for ambulances and other vehicles to be provided. - 2 The prefecture’s call After that Okayama Prefecture asked municipalities in the prefecture to cooperate, and many municipalities and fire department associations offered to provide vehicles. - 3 Memorandum August 16, 2024 Okayama Prefecture and the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan signed a memorandum on providing fire service vehicles and other equipment. - 4 The first send-off ceremony September 4, 2024 A send-off ceremony for the 2 vehicles provided by Maniwa City was held in front of the Okayama Prefectural Government building. - 5 Our role Now We handle the export procedures and sea freight for the vehicles, and have sent 14 vehicles so far. The prefecture’s call was made in response to the ambassador’s request during his courtesy call on the governor (Okayama Prefecture announcement). [See the shipment records](https://npoeurasia.org/en/#edl-board)[See our official standing](https://npoeurasia.org/en/transparency/#edl-standing) ### Sources - [Okayama Prefecture, “Courtesy call on the Governor by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan” (June 24, 2024) (in Japanese)](https://www.pref.okayama.jp/site/syashinkensei/924573.html) - [Okayama Prefecture, “Send-off ceremony for ambulances and other vehicles provided to Ukraine [September 4]” (in Japanese)](https://www.pref.okayama.jp/site/160/949192.html) The names, dates, times and venues of the events are based on the invitation issued in the name of the Governor of Okayama Prefecture, the information given on the day by the International Affairs Division of Okayama Prefecture, the announcement of the lecture, and our list of participants (all kept by NPO EURASIA and not published, as they include participants’ personal information). As of September 28, 2026 Our history ## Where we have been, and where we are going. - February 17, 2010 Founded as a specified nonprofit corporation, certified by Okayama Prefecture Done - June 24, 2024 The Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan visits Okayama and pays a courtesy call on the governor. At the ambassador’s request, Okayama Prefecture asks municipalities in the prefecture to provide ambulances and other vehicles (Okayama Prefecture announcement) Done - August 16, 2024 Okayama Prefecture and the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan sign a memorandum on providing fire service vehicles and other equipment Done - September 4, 2024 Send-off ceremony for shipment 1 in front of the Okayama Prefectural Government building: Maniwa City’s ambulance and fire engine Done - December 19, 2024 The vehicles of shipment 1 arrive in Borodianka, Kyiv Oblast (Okayama Prefecture announcement) Done - January 17, 2025 We exchange a letter of confirmation with Okayama Prefecture and are designated by the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan Done - April 2025 Shipment 2 sent: an ambulance from Kurashiki City and a fire engine from Kasaoka City Done - May 2025 Shipment 3 sent: 2 fire engines from Tsuyama City Done - September 2, 2025 Shipment 4 sets sail: 2 ambulances and 2 fire engines (Okayama Prefecture announcement) Done - December 11, 2025 Shipment 5 sets sail: 4 fire engines carrying 30 wheelchairs and 209 items of medical clothing Done - April 2026 The 4 fire engines of shipment 5 arrive (Okayama Prefecture announcement) Done - October 2026 Preparing shipment 6 Planned Messages ## From our Chair and Vice Chair Message from the Chair ![Chair: Yoshinori Oki](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-director-334.a85109389a.webp) Chair: Yoshinori Oki ### “A bridge of life, woven by our bonds” More than 20 years ago, I first set foot in Ukraine. The memory of that day is still vivid in my heart. Golden fields of wheat spreading across rich black soil, clear blue skies, and above all, the smiles of the people who welcomed us so warmly— These memories have given us deep bonds and trust. Ukraine, with which we have built heart-to-heart bonds through cultural exchange. But now its peaceful daily life has been torn apart by war, and the people who once welcomed us are in danger. Reports from Ukraine say, “Many lives are being saved by the ambulances and tourniquets sent from Japan.” They show that our support is more than supplies: it is “hope.” It is a warm message in itself, saying “You are not alone.” It is because of more than 20 years of trust and friendship that our support has become a sure bridge of life. With gratitude for the past and a sense of responsibility for the future, we will keep walking alongside the people of Ukraine. We sincerely ask for your support. I believe that when each person’s goodwill comes together, it becomes a great light of hope and a sure bridge that lights the way to Ukraine’s future. Message from the Vice Chair ![Liliya Babiy](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-subdirector-334.2bb2f8c356.webp) Liliya BabiyA Ukrainian living in Japan ### “A bridge of hope that we weave together” Since the war began, my heart has ached at the tragedies in my homeland, and I have kept asking myself, “What can I do for Ukraine?” Children wounded under shelling, places medical care cannot reach, families rescuers could not reach in time—each one of them is etched deeply in our hearts. The donations we receive from people in Japan are not just an exchange of money; they are an act that keeps people alive. Just as a single ambulance saves people whose lives are in danger, your step forward becomes hope for the future. Not as “something happening in a faraway country” but as “support for our neighbors,” let us join hands and build a great bridge of hope to Ukraine. The “thank yous” reaching us ## Smiles your support has saved For their safety, all names have been changed. Photos are illustrative. VOICE 01 ### A little life an ambulance saved — One Person’s Story — Oleksandr Ivanov (37, father) ![A bombed building and rescue work](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-war-640.4b55d4d689.webp) A sudden explosion. My daughter fell. That morning, just as my 5-year-old daughter Anastasiia ran to me crying “Dad!”, the shelling began. The windows shattered, flying shards of glass pierced her leg, and blood poured out. I tried desperately to stop the bleeding, but it would not stop, and her face grew paler and paler. ![A bombed building and rescue work](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-war-rescue-640.cad9541779.webp) Support from Japan that saves lives Just then, an ambulance sent from Japan arrived. A crew member stopped the bleeding with a CAT tourniquet, and my daughter was taken to the hospital. Thanks to the quick treatment, her life was out of danger, and there was no longer any fear of infection. Without that ambulance and tourniquet, my daughter might not have survived. ![A father and daughter in traditional dress (illustrative photo)](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-father-daughter-640.ad895d4c06.webp) I want to say thank you The next day, my daughter woke up and smiled: “Daddy… I’m okay now.” The moment I saw that smile, tears welled up. Your support saved this little life. From the bottom of my heart—thank you, truly, thank you. ![The aftermath of shelling](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-rescue-680.405937fb2f.webp) STORY 02 ### “What if there had been no tourniquet…?” The thought is frightening… Oryna (22) When we came under shelling, my mother shielded me and was wounded in the arm by shrapnel, losing a lot of blood. A rescue volunteer nearby used a tourniquet that had arrived as aid from Japan and gave first aid right away. ![Rescue work at a collapsed building](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-rescue-drone-680.49fd9d2a24.webp) STORY 03 ### Without the drone, I would not be here Serhii (32) A bombing left me trapped under rubble. I felt there was almost no hope of being saved. But a rescue drone provided with support from Japan found where I was. I am deeply grateful to everyone who saved my life. ![Medical aid supplies](https://npoeurasia.org/img/about-medical-kit-680.416fac3089.webp) STORY 04 ### A medical kit saved my father’s life Oleksandr (45) My father was wounded in the chest in the fighting and was bleeding heavily. We gave him first aid with the gauze and hemostatic agents in an emergency medical kit that had arrived as aid. Without that medical kit… I am deeply grateful. Activity reports ## Recent reports - [October 4, 20261,385 tourniquets delivered to Ukraine: medical supplies sent from Okayama](https://npoeurasia.org/en/tourniquet-ukraine-support/) - [September 21, 20264 fire engines from Tsuyama and Maniwa have arrived in Ukraine](https://npoeurasia.org/en/fire-engines-arrived-ukraine-202604/) - [August 29, 2026Katerina Guzy charity concert (September 10, 2026, Okayama; ended)](https://npoeurasia.org/en/katerina-guzy-charity-concert-20260910/) [See all activity reports](https://npoeurasia.org/en/news/) ## Bring the next ambulance to Kyiv. ¥150 for every 1 km. Your donation moves the ambulance forward. The next ambulance is now at the **944** km mark, with **9,056** km to go to Kyiv. Mizushima PortKyiv (10,000 km) [Donate to move the ambulance](https://npoeurasia.org/en/#edl-give) [See how to donate](https://npoeurasia.org/en/donate/)