On October 24, 2025, Ukrainian singer Jerry Heil visited Sophia University during her trip to Japan for the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC) 2025. She joined a discussion with students from Professor Taro Komatsu’s seminar on International Educational Development in the Department of Education.

Widely known for her performances at Eurovision, one of Europe’s largest music events, Jerry Heil also uses her songs to convey the realities of life in Ukraine to audiences around the world. Earlier this year, she was appointed by the Ukrainian government as a Humanitarian Demining Ambassador. In her talk, she highlighted the urgent challenge of landmines, which affect one-third of Ukraine’s territory, the many women who volunteer to clear mines to protect their families, and the importance of sharing Ukraine’s story with the world. She also introduced her newly released song, “Earth (Dradada),” and the message behind it.

During the exchange, Sophia students shared their own experiences, including one student who supported Ukrainian children while on an exchange program in Poland. Jerry Heil expressed her gratitude, and the conversation expanded to topics Ukraine and Japan share in common, such as recovery from natural and man-made disasters, the impact of the nuclear accident, and the role of young people in society.

The session concluded in a friendly atmosphere, with students and Jerry Heil exchanging social media contacts and deepening their connections beyond the formal discussion