#Japan #Tokyo #Art Communication #Deaf Navigator #Creative Well-Being

Launching a New Era: The Deaf Navigator Training Program

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the Tokyo Historical and Cultural Foundation's Arts Council, has initiated a groundbreaking project, the Deaf Navigator Training Program. This program targets the necessity for deaf individuals to occupy roles as navigators in cultural institutions across Japan. With the aim to commence operations in fiscal year 2024, extensive research on domestic and international models has already been conducted to develop an effective training protocol.

Currently, the presence of deaf guides in Japan's art scene is limited, and there is a significant lack of spaces that prioritize sign language as a medium for art appreciation. It is crucial to create environments where deaf individuals can engage with art leveraging their unique perspectives and experiences, thus fostering meaningful exchanges about the artwork.

This effort is part of the Creative Well-Being Tokyo Partner Program, which acknowledges the urgent need for inclusivity within Japan’s cultural facilities. Moving forward, the Arts Communication Research Center (ACC) will collaborate to develop a curriculum that encourages dialogic appreciation, aiming to cultivate future deaf navigators who can contribute effectively in art museums and galleries.

Course Details

Lecture Schedule

• - Session 1: October 4-5, 2025
• - Session 2: December 6-7, 2025
• - Session 3: January 17-18, 2026

Time

Each session runs from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, including a one-hour lunch break.

Venue

Arts Council Tokyo
4-1-28 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Venue Access Details

Instructor

Takahiro Date
Director, Arts Communication Research Center / Professor, Kyoto University of the Arts

Target Audience

The program is aimed at deaf individuals interested in becoming art guides, regardless of age or experience. Participants must commit to attending all three sessions.

Participation Method

The program will be conducted in person only.

Fees

The course is free of charge, with a limit of 20 participants.

Organizers

The program is organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Historical and Cultural Foundation’s Arts Council, with planning support from Kyoto University of the Arts and operational collaboration from Re; Signing Project.

Course Structure

This experiential course consists of three sessions aimed at enhancing participants' skills in art appreciation. Engaging with artworks on a deeper level will help build the