Ukrainian Family Sail to Japan #japan #ukraine #sailing
Join me as I catch up with Valerly (Will), Nataliia, and Ivan, who sailed to Japan from Turkey on their 41-foot sailboat, Ohara. They embarked on their journey, initially due to the pandemic and later because their home in Ukraine was destroyed. After living on their boat for four years and gradually making their way to Asia, they arrived in Japan on their way to Canada, where they were accepted to settle. The interview is short, and their story is worthy of more in-depth conversation. There are many nuggets along the way, so be sure to watch the whole video, which concludes with a tour of their Japanese home. Will shares some helpful insights into Japan, and Nataliia offers profound advice rooted in real experience: Don`t be Afraid. Rescue Yourselves. Take care of your Family.
Their plans to sail to Canada were delayed by Ivan's bicycle accident. Fortunately, he has fully recovered and is attending a Japanese school. Meanwhile, the family has moved into a vacant house under a special program for Ukrainians. They have been granted a one-year visa extension, but the challenge remains to find a place to keep their boat for the year.
In this video, the family shares their experiences and challenges as they navigate life in Japan. Don't miss their inspiring story and the tour of their new home.
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Lowell Sheppard: The 71-year-old 'Never Too Later' who traded life in Tokyo for a solo odyssey, transitioning from Pacific ambitions to the Japan Solo longevity project.
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Valeri, his wife Natalia, and their son Ivan embarked on an extraordinary journey, sailing from Turkey to Japan in their 41-foot boat called Itara. This remarkable Ukrainian family sought refuge on the high seas, initially to avoid COVID-19, and later because their home was destroyed in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Their odyssey led them towards Canada, where they had been granted special status. However, fate intervened when Ivan, 13 at the time, faced a minor accident that prevented them from leaving Japan as planned. Fortunately, due to their extraordinary circumstances, Japan extended their visa, providing them with a one-year stay and granting them shelter in a charming Japanese home near Yabu.
The Journey and Challenges
Natalia and Valeri have been sailing for over a decade. This experience proved invaluable as they navigated the vast ocean, facing not just the elements but also the challenges of entering new countries during a pandemic.
Landing in Japan
In Japan, they found friendly people who were eager to help, using tools like Google Translate and offering them lifts or inviting them for coffee. Despite initial concerns about language barriers and currency exchange, they found that kind gestures from locals across different countries made their journey much easier.
Finding Stability in Japan
Now settled in Japan, Natalia and Valeri’s son Ivan is attending school for the first time after two years of online education during the pandemic. They are now focused on finding work to stabilize their situation further.
Lifestyle Adaptation
The family lives in a traditional Japanese house, featuring rooms designed for specific purposes like a small kitchen and even an old-fashioned toilet. Though the space may seem cramped by Western standards, it is considered spacious compared to typical Japanese dwellings.
Looking Ahead
Natalia, Valeri, and Ivan must also find a place to moor their boat for the upcoming months as the current location is only available for one month. They are working diligently on this front while enjoying their stay in Japan, grateful for the warmth of the community they have found there.
A Message of Gratitude and Positivity
Valeri sends a powerful message of resilience and the importance of prioritizing family. He encourages viewers to pray for families like theirs, who are navigating immense challenges due to war and global crises. His story reminds us of the shared human spirit and our capacity to find hope even in the most trying of circumstances.
This journey of a Ukrainian family from Turkey to Japan is a testament to their courage, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to each other. Their story underlines the importance of community support and the resilience of human spirit in facing adversity.
Support for Ukrainian Families
In conclusion, as we follow Natalia, Valeri, and Ivan’s story, let us also remember the countless other families who have been displaced due to war or crisis. Sending your thoughts, positivity, and if you’re inclined, prayers for them, is a small act that can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
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