January 10, 2025

Akahata ‘current’ column

The same hand gesture can have different meanings in different countries. Likewise, sign language or the “language of the hand” differs from country to country. Therefore, for persons with hearing impairment, an internationally-common sign language is necessary to communicate with each other across national borders.

The Deaflympics 2025, an international sports festival where the International Sign will be used as an official language, will take place in Tokyo in November. A 30-year-long dream of the people involved has come to fruition: Japan for the first time will host the Deaflympics.

The Deaflympics has a long history. Since 1924 in Paris, the Games have been held every four years. This year, approximately 3,000 athletes from more than 70 countries and regions will gather for the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics. Various ideas will be in place so that the deaf athletes can see things with their own eyes. For example, the start of track-and-field competitions and swimming races will use lamplight; in football matches, the chief referee will hold a flag just like linesmen.

Deaf athletes devote themselves to competition in a “world without sound”. Many of them work while improving their competitive skills. They, however, have to shoulder their travel expenses to participate in distant events such as international competitions. The support Paralympians receive is not available to deaf athletes. According to a survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, 93% of respondents know about the Paralympics. In contrast, only 15% are aware of the Deaflympics.

Deaf athletes will go to the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics with a variety of thoughts in mind. One said, “I want to show children that we cannot hear but our life is bright.” Another said, “I want to expand my world through interaction with other deaf athletes from around the world.” They hope that the understanding of the deaf will spread more widely around the world. Their presence at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics will no doubt play a key role in bringing those who can hear and those who cannot hear closer together.