Can Python be used for UTF/Double Bytes/Asian Characters?

[akiyomiya]

Does Python have a module or some sort of class that can be used for
UTF/Double Bytes/Asian Characters?

I heard that Perl has a module that you can use for UTF/Double
Bytes/Asian Characters.  So I am wondering if Python works same way or
better.

We are modifying a search (Inktomi), so people can input UTF/Double
Bytes/Asian Characters and search for some documents.

Thank you in advance.

AK