#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo 2025 #Deaflympics #Sign Language

Connecting Two Worlds: The Charisma of Sign Language Interpreters

As we approach the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, which starts in just under 50 days on September 28, a significant event titled "Connecting Two Worlds: The Charisma of Sign Language Interpreters" will take place. This talk session, featuring prominent figures in the field, provides a unique opportunity to dive deep into the essential role sign language interpreters play in bridging communication gaps between the hearing and deaf communities.

Event Details

Date and Time: September 28, 2025 (Sunday), 15:00 - 16:00 (Doors open at 14:30)

Location: Chofu City General Sports Center, Small Gymnasium (182-0011, 2-1-65 Fukadai-Kita, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan)

Access: More details can be found here.

This event will be facilitated by Ikumi Kawamata, a Deaf ambassador for the Deaflympics who actively supports the deaf community. The panel will feature distinguished sign language interpreters: Kohei Ehara, Haruka Sato, and Ichiro Hashimoto, who will share their insights from everyday translation duties to international sports events.

Panel Insights

The discussion will explore the often unseen aspects of sign language interpreting. Panelists will cover:

• - Daily Duties and Responsibilities: How interpreters manage communication in various contexts.
• - Specialization and Skills: The expertise required to interpret effectively, especially in high-pressure situations such as international competitions.
• - Social Importance: The vital role interpreters play in promoting inclusivity and accessibility for the Deaf community, particularly in sports and cultural events.

Attendees will gain first-hand knowledge of the passion and commitment displayed by interpreters, making connections between two worlds more accessible.

Attendance Information

Admission is free. However, due to limited seating (50 participants), advance registration is required before the deadline of September 21, 2025 (23:59).
To register, please fill out the application form here.

Interpretation services will be provided, ensuring participation for everyone, regardless of hearing ability. Should there be an overwhelming response, participants will be selected via lottery, and notifications will be sent to the email addresses submitted on the application form.

Privacy Note: All personal information will be managed according to relevant laws concerning personal data protection.

Organizer: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Featured Guests

1. Facilitator: Ikumi Kawamata
- A staff member from the Nippon Foundation, she has overcome personal challenges since being diagnosed with deafness as a child. She is dedicated to supporting the Deaf community and has firsthand experience in education and advocacy.

2. Kohei Ehara - Sign Language Interpreter
- With a career spanning over 30 years, he has contributed significantly to community interpreting and the training of new interpreters while actively participating in various social movements related to sign language.

3. Haruka Sato - Sign Language Interpreter
- She started her journey with sign language in university and has since focused on enhancing accessibility in academic and sporting environments while promoting Deaf culture.

4. Ichiro Hashimoto - Sign Language Interpreter
- A seasoned educator with over two decades of experience, he has also worked as a sign language artist and has played pivotal roles in major sporting events like the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Universal Communication Technology Experience: Hapbeat

Participants can also experience Hapbeat, a groundbreaking wearable technology that converts sound into vibrations, allowing everyone to experience music and sports sounds in a unique way. This experience will be held from approximately 16:00 after the talk session until 17:30.

Additional Events

Prior to the main event, there will be a special exhibition showcasing origami inspired by Japanese culture and sign language from September 25 to September 28, 2025, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Hall, featuring collaboration with the Japan Origami Association and the University of Tokyo Origami Circle.

For the latest updates about the event, please visit the official website: TOKYO FORWARD 2025.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Sports Promotion Headquarters, International Sports Division
Phone: 03-5320-7817

Prepare to explore the captivating world where sign language interpreters not only facilitate communication but also foster understanding and appreciation across differing perspectives.