2025.11.26
In October 2025, Jerry Heil, a leading Ukrainian pop singer who also serves as the country’s Humanitarian Demining Ambassador, visited Japan. She participated in the international conference "Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2025 (UMAC 2025)" held in Tokyo and engaged in various awareness raising activities. During her stay, she strongly advocated to Japan and the international community for the importance of demining activities, the necessity of safe land recovery for Ukraine’s reconstruction, and the critical role of women’s empowerment in the mine action sector.
Group photo at the end of the mission (Ms. Heil is the fifth from the right)
At the UMAC 2025 reception on October 22, Ms. Heil premiered her new song, "Dradada," which addresses the theme of demining in Ukraine. As a prominent artist, her powerful voice conveyed the resilience of the people facing this serious challenge, resonating deeply with many participants gathered from all over the world.
Prior to UMAC, on October 21, Ms. Heil held a peace lesson for approximately 70 students at Kaga Elementary School in Itabashi, sharing insights into Ukraine's current situation and its resolute determination for recovery. As a cultural exchange, the elementary students sang along to a part of Ms. Heil’s new song. Heil warmly encouraged the children to "learn about Ukraine, share the message with many friends, and help spread the word."
Special Session by Ms. Heil conducted at Kaga Elementary School
Ms. Heil interacting with the participanting children at the end of the special session
On October 24, she also participated in a seminar in Education and International Development course at Sophia University, where she engaged in an in-depth discussion with students. They actively exchanged views on the importance of demining, the criticality of women’s participation in this field, the power of music in confronting challenges, the shared goal of reconstruction, and the social roles young people can play.
In-depth discussion held with the students majoring Education and International Development at Sophia University
On October 24, Ms. Heil visited "Kraiany Cafe" in Mitaka, deepening ties with the local Ukrainian community residing in Japan. Sharing Ukrainian food and singing traditional songs together, they communicated the community's strong resilience and their profound longing for their homeland.
The community singing an traditional Ukrainian song with Ms. Heil
Subsequently, on October 26, she visited the Ukedo Elementary School in Namie, Fukushima, a site preserved to commemorate the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. After witnessing the local community's efforts to pass on the memory of the disaster and overcome its effects, Ms. Heil stated that she deeply understood why the Japanese people feel such empathy for Ukraine's situation. She shared a sense of solidarity in standing together on the common theme of reconstruction.
Ms. Heil visiting the Ukedo Elementary School in Namie, Fukushima
Listening to the explanation by local community on the memory of the disaster and efforts in overcoming its effects
Ms. Heil’s visit and activities reaffirmed that Ukraine's path to recovery can be supported not only by technical and financial cooperation but also by cross-border human solidarity and the sharing of experiences and stories. JICA will continue to strongly promote multi-faceted support and cooperation, including in the urgent support to Humanitarian Demining, so that the people of Ukraine can regain a safe and secure future.
Relevant Links
・
The Current Situation in Ukraine and the Significance of the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2025 in Tokyo - JICA
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JICA's Support for Ukraine - JICA
・How Japan is mobilising global expertise to clear Ukraine’s landmines (Euronews)
・Jerry Heil - Earth (Dradada) [Official Music Video]
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