Who would have thought that Ukraine’s modern history would inspire a young artist from the other side of the globe? Young Japanese artist Natsume felt deeply moved by the stories of Ukrainian soldiers defending their country in Donbas, and decided to start drawing them.

Japanese artist Natsume is visiting Ukraine for the first time. Shortly after arriving in Kyiv she decided to visit a weapons exhibit. This is no coincidence, Natsume’s unique skill is portraying the military in a different light. Since early childhood she’s been drawing servicemen and women. More recently, she found inspiration in the Ukrainian army.

Natsume, Japanese artist I really liked the way soldiers carry themselves. I have never seen something like this in reality before. They leave a strong impression.

Natsume’s interest in Ukrainian troops began when she was 14. The young artist watched the news about the events going on in the war-torn Donbas.

Natsume, Japanese artist I found photos of the Ukrainian military on the Internet: events and people… And I felt it all. I began to become more interested. I was touched by what I saw.

Natsume wanted her art to portray what she was feeling — this is when she started drawing Ukrainian soldiers using Japanese traditional cartoon style — which is often referred to as manga. The images became popular among young Japanese youth. Some even tried to imitate the Ukrainian soldiers’ military style.

Natsume, Japanese artist Among my friends there are already people who are interested in Ukraine. They share my interest in the country’s history and culture.

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The Japanese artist decided to bring her own vision of Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv. In her work, she often draws parallels between Japanese samurai and Ukrainian Cossacks. She also tries to show the contrast between a peaceful life and wartime.

Natsume, Japanese artist Here, for example, this is the same girl in ordinary Ukrainian clothes, and in army clothes. These are different versions of her future. This is deep message illustrates different life paths of the same person

Natsume’s drawings often portray Ukrainian fighters as beautiful, kind and young. Their expressions are often innocent. Her art attempts to dig deep into the soul of the Ukrainian soldiers. One of her main aims is to help others understand that soldiers are ordinary people.