A Japanese man widely known for volunteering in the war-torn city of Kharkiv, Ukraine

Background: He is a Japanese national born in 1948. Before retiring, he ran his own business in Tokyo.

Going to Ukraine: After the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022, he traveled to Ukraine simply because he wanted to help.

Living in the Subway: He spent months living underground in the Kharkiv Metro alongside local residents who were sheltering from heavy shellings and airstrikes. During this time, he helped keep up morale and distributed food and supplies.

FuMi Caffe: He later opened a free café in Saltivka, one of Kharkiv's hardest-hit and most heavily bombed residential districts.

Daily Meals: Working alongside local Ukrainian volunteers, his small team prepares and serves hundreds of free meals every day to local residents in need.

Recognition: For his dedication and humanitarian efforts, he was officially awarded the Ukrainian distinction "National Legend of Ukraine".