He spent 20 years in the Yakuza. He served 10 years in prison. Then he came to Ukraine – and tattooed the Ukrainian trident on his neck. Just imagine: a Japanese man who doesn’t speak a word of Ukrainian goes to the front lines. A sniper. Call sign – “Harusan.” Behind him – nearly 20 years in the Japanese mafia and 10 years behind bars. And on his neck – a freshly tattooed trident. He says: “I’m 50. I joined the Yakuza when I was 16. My father was also in the gang. I was a regular bodyguard for the boss – not one of the leaders, but not an errand boy either. I left when I was 35. And yes, I still have both of my pinky fingers – the tradition of cutting off a finger joint is already outdated.” Then came 10 years in prison. “I didn’t do anything terrible. But I was imprisoned with terrible people. I looked at them – and understood what kind of person I never wanted to become.” When Russia invaded Ukraine, he didn’t hesitate. He arrived on April 1, 2022. No language. No military experience. No fear. “I didn’t know the language. But I looked at those horrors – and realized that the language barrier was a small thing.” In Ukraine, he became a sniper. He fought in the Zhytomyr region, Lysychansk, and the Zaporizhzhia direction. Today, he serves with the Georgian National Legion. He communicates with his fellow soldiers through gestures and a translation app on his phone. He has already learned “Gamarjoba!” and “Everything is good.” And in the summer of 2023, he tattooed the Ukrainian trident on his neck. “It symbolizes my determination. If necessary – to give my life for Ukraine.” When asked “Why?” he answers calmly: “Russia didn’t attack only Ukraine. It has harmed Moldova and Georgia. If Ukraine loses, there will be even more war. This also concerns Japan’s future.” He also says this is about redemption. “Redemption for my sins is in my heart. But the most important thing is to reduce the number of victims. Especially children.” He doesn’t miss home. He doesn’t complain about loneliness. He simply wants to be here – until victory. And finally, these are his words to all of us: “Ukrainians, never lose heart. Never. Not until victory.” That’s his story. No grandstanding. No censorship. Just a man who chose light after darkness. Source: translated from Oleh Bairak.