The people behind UKRAINE HOUSE JAPAN

Sometimes, great things do not begin with a grand plan. They begin with the feeling that you simply cannot stand aside.

My name is Inna Ilina. I have been living in Japan for seven years. For more than five of those years, I worked at the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan, and throughout that time, my life was connected, in one way or another, with telling people about Ukraine and its rich culture — a culture that for centuries was subjected to attempts to destroy and erase it — and with building connections between our two countries.

After russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, everything took on an entirely different meaning.

Japan became the country where my two children and I continue to live, learn, and make plans for the future. And Ukraine remains our home — a home that, now more than ever, I want to protect and carry with me wherever I go.

This is how Ukraine House Japan gradually came to life.

For me, Ukraine House is much more than an organization or a place where events are held.

It is a space where Ukraine can be seen, heard, read, tasted, created with your own hands, and felt.

Through books and art, the Ukrainian language and traditional crafts, vytynanky and pysanky, Ukrainian cuisine, film screenings, lectures, and gatherings, we introduce Ukrainian culture to people in Japan.

Ukraine House is a team of like-minded women creating projects for both children and adults. We build partnerships with Japanese organizations, cultural institutions, and companies. We also seek opportunities for Ukrainian artists, craftspeople, and educators to share their work and knowledge in Japan.

Another very special chapter in my journey was EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where I served as Director of the Ukrainian Pavilion.

For six months, the Ukrainian Pavilion became a place where Ukraine met the world.

For me, it was an opportunity to speak about our country with people from all corners of the globe — to show them a Ukraine that is fighting for its very existence, yet continues to create, develop, dream, and look toward the future.

That experience only strengthened the belief that lies at the heart of everything we do at Ukraine House:

Ukraine should be present in the world not only through the news of war.

I want people in Japan to know Ukraine as a country with a culture spanning more than a thousand years — with its own art, language, cuisine, humor, and traditions.

A country of talented people.

A country that continues to create even in the most difficult times.

At the same time, Ukraine House is a place for Ukrainians themselves.

A place where Ukrainian is spoken. Where our children can feel connected to their culture. Where we can meet our people, create something together, and, even if only for a few hours, feel the atmosphere of home.

I do not know what Ukraine House will look like five or ten years from now.

But I deeply hope that one day it will become a true home for Ukrainian culture in Japan — a living bridge between our two countries.

Because home is not only a place we can return to.

Sometimes, home is something we create ourselves.

Inna Ilina
Vice President
Ukraine House Japan