Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics: Colombian Table Tennis Team Engages in Cultural Exchange

On November 26, Tokyo will host the much-anticipated 2025 Deaflympics. To celebrate this significant event, Shukuba JAPAN, led by CEO Takashi Tamai (Watanabe), coordinated a fruitful exchange program for the Colombian national table tennis team. This initiative aimed to provide accommodations and create opportunities for regional interaction in the Shinagawa area, with support from the Shinagawa City government.

Background: Encouraging Cross-Cultural Exchange Through Sports

The Shinagawa district has a rich history of promoting international cultural exchange through sports, take for example its collaboration with the Colombian Embassy, which allowed the Colombian boccia team to hold a pre-camp during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Moreover, the district has actively worked to increase understanding and awareness of deaf sports; events like the Deaf Sports & Art Fair in 2023 exemplify such initiatives.

Shukuba JAPAN’s commitment to fostering multicultural coexistence aligns seamlessly with Shinagawa’s spirit of sportsmanship and community engagement. The company has previously supported various sporting events, including hosting Japan's national men's deaf soccer team, and cultural programs like the one at the 2022 WMH Masters Hockey World Cup.

Additionally, Shukuba JAPAN facilitates community connection through culturally-rich experiences, promoting both local tourism and inclusiveness within the region. Supporting sports teams and developing cultural exchanges allows Shukuba to play a pivotal role in connecting visitors with the local community.

Highlights of the Exchange Program for the Colombian Team

The Colombian table tennis team engaged in various immersive experiences from November 12 to 14, during their stay in Japan. Collaborating closely with the Shinagawa district and the Koto International Association for Communication, Shukuba JAPAN ensured a seamless experience for both the athletes and local participants.

Here’s an overview of the Colombian team's itinerary:

- Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

The team was welcomed at Narita Airport and enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant in the Aoyama Yokocho shopping district.

- Day 2: Embassy Visit and Public Practice

The team first visited the Colombian Embassy, followed by a public practice session at the Shinagawa General Sports Center. This event gathered not only district officials but students from the only bilingual and bicultural school for the deaf in Japan and members of the Shinagawa Table Tennis Federation. They had a unique opportunity to communicate with the athletes through various languages, including Japanese, Spanish, Japanese Sign Language, Spanish Sign Language, and International Sign Language.

- Day 3: Interaction with Local Children

The final day featured engaging activities with local elementary and preschool children, including a Japanese calligraphy experience and a dance performance showcasing the official Deaflympic dance. These interactions exemplified the heartwarming connection formed between the athletes and the Shinagawa community, transcending language barriers.

Comment from Takashi Tamai, CEO of Shukuba JAPAN

In reflecting upon this enriching experience, Takashi Tamai stated, “We aim to realize a multicultural society through travel and sports. The collaboration with the Shinagawa district aligns deeply with our values, supporting the idea that anyone, regardless of ability, can connect through sports.”
Tamai emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique complexities of organizing such events, highlighting how various factors can affect the successful outcomes of cultural exchanges. By bringing both local and international communities together, Shukuba JAPAN hopes to contribute further to a society where diverse perspectives and interactions can flourish.

The Bigger Picture

This successful initiative illustrates the powerful role of sports in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding among diverse communities. By facilitating exchanges such as this, the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics aims not only to celebrate athletic talent but to unite individuals through shared experiences.

As we approach the Deaflympics, it is essential to recognize the significance of these cross-cultural encounters that enrich our world, helping build a society where everyone can thrive together, as evidenced by the enduring partnerships fostered in Shinagawa.

For more photos from the event or additional coverage, please reach out to the contacts listed in the press release.