Enhancing Communication Quality through Sign Language at eWeLL's Sign Language Future Festival

On February 14, 2026, eWeLL, a company dedicated to improving the quality and productivity of home healthcare through DX, co-hosted the "Sign Language Future Festival: Communication Through Sign" at their Osaka headquarters. This event, organized by the Japan Psychiatric Home Nursing Association, aimed to introduce participants to the unique aspects of sign language and enhance the quality of dialogue with patients through non-verbal communication.

Event Highlights

The festival drew a diverse audience, including home care nurses, healthcare professionals, and interested members of the public. Participants engaged in activities designed to demonstrate the importance of looking at one another and understanding feelings without relying solely on spoken words. This approach to sign language communication helped to heighten the quality of interaction, establishing trust between caregivers and patients.

Our Background and Purpose

At the heart of this festival was a desire to break down communication barriers and connect on a deeper emotional level. Sign language, which can be traced back to gestures used by monks for silent communication in 16th century Spain, serves as a tool for everyone to convey their feelings. This form of communication is particularly critical in the realm of home nursing, where understanding patients' backgrounds and emotions is essential for providing quality care.

The nuances of sign language allow caregivers to read emotions that words may not fully express. By observing body language and facial expressions, participants learned to cultivate their listening and empathy skills — vital components of non-verbal communication. The festival emphasized the essence of communication as participants witnessed the beauty of mutual understanding.

Event Schedule

Date: February 14, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Doors open at 2:45 PM)
Location: eWeLL Headquarters, Osaka
Audience: Home care nurses, hospital nurses, sign language learners, and others interested in enhancing communication skills.
Instructor: Asuka Hattori from the Japan Psychiatric Home Nursing Association
Organizers: Japan Psychiatric Home Nursing Association, co-organized with MICHIRUWA GROUP, Hands, I.C. and eWeLL

Program Overview

1. Sign Language Song Challenge: Participants were divided into three groups to sign the song "Best Friend" by Kana Nishino in a relay format, fostering a sense of unity among them.
2. Practical Case Studies: Participants engaged in one-on-one sign language practice scenarios that mirror situations they might encounter in healthcare settings, such as greetings, giving directions, and requesting an ambulance.

Participant Reactions

The festival was filled with enthusiasm as attendees expressed their commitment to understanding the experiences of the hearing impaired and improving their own skills. Many shared that the hands-on experiences made them feel more connected, and they appreciated the chance to explore the nuances of communication in a supportive environment.

One participant commented, "While I struggled at times, the joy of connecting and learning with others made for an incredibly fulfilling experience. I want to learn more about sign language!" Another noted the expansion of their communication horizons, emphasizing the significance of truly engaging with others.

Following the event, several participants decided to join ongoing sign language study groups, illustrating a desire for continued learning and growth in this crucial area.

The Significance of eWeLL's Involvement

At eWeLL, we believe that improving communication skills directly contributes to better home healthcare quality and overall quality of life for patients. We support over 63,000 healthcare professionals across Japan and have assisted more than 920,000 home-based patients. Our goal extends beyond merely improving efficiency through DX; we are dedicated to creating environments where caregivers can dedicate meaningful time to their patients. As we facilitate connections through sign language, we aim to cultivate a compassionate understanding of patients' unspoken wishes, enhancing their caregiving experiences.

Through technology and human skills, eWeLL commits to fostering a society where everyone can live comfortably and collaboratively. We look forward to continuing our efforts in this direction and promoting the invaluable lessons learned from the Sign Language Future Festival.