The Life and Drawings of Nobuo Kiuchi, Japanese POW in Ukraine

Wed, 06 May 2026 19:16:00 +0200

After the end of World War II, Japanese soldier Nobuo Kiuchi spent two and a half years in Soviet prisoner-of-war camps in Ukraine. Captured after Japan's surrender, he was sent to work in Donbas, in camps such as Slovyansk and Kramatorsk. During his captivity, he endured harsh labor, extreme weather, and challenges of communication, yet he also witnessed moments of kindness from locals, interactions with children, and the surprising presence of female Soviet soldiers. After returning to Japan in 1948, Kiuchi created over 80 watercolors depicting his experiences in captivity, blending humor and reflection to honor his fallen comrades and human resilience in wartime. His artwork has been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. His son, Masato Kiuchi, continues to preserve and share his legacy through a dedicated website. Nobuo Kiuchi passed away in 2021 at the age of 97, leaving behind a body of work that highlights the human side of war and the hope for lasting peace.