Japan welcomes Ukrainian refugees

STORY: The refugees, aged between six and 66-years-old, were seen arriving at Tokyo's International Airport on a special government plane that was arranged by Japan's foreign minister during a trip to Poland.

They join about 400 other Ukrainian refugees already in Japan, most of them having entered on a 90-day visa, which they can then convert to a special one-year working visa.

Officials have not said if Japan will lay on more special flights or how many refugees might be allowed in.

Japanese resident, Hironori Murakami said he strongly support the government's gesture, and hoped that Japan would open its door to more refugees.

Another resident, Mayumi Oogaki said she believes the Japanese government should have acted sooner to protect refugees from crime and to help relieve the burden on countries surrounding Ukraine.