Deaf Advocacy Groups in Japan Hopes New Law Leads to Expanded Support

From Town News

August 14 2025

YOKOHAMA – ‘The Act on the Promotion of Measures Concerning Sign Language’, a law to promote the acquisition and use of sign language and the inheritance of sign language culture, came into effect in June. As a result, the responsibilities of the national and local governments have been clarified, and efforts to advance sign language-related policies are now being promoted. The City of Yokohama is implementing support measures such as assigning sign language interpreters to ward offices, but deaf organizations are calling for expanded assistance, including increasing the number of interpreters.

One background factor behind the enactment of the law was the 2011 amendment to the ‘Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities’, which recognized sign language as a language. In Kanagawa Prefecture as well, the Sign Language Ordinance was enacted in 2015, and similar ordinances have been spreading across the country.

The law stipulates securing opportunities for sign language learning, training interpreters, enhancing education, and inheriting sign language culture, making these the responsibilities of the national and local governments.

According to the City of Yokohama, as of the end of fiscal 2024, there were 9,361 holders of physical disability certificates for hearing and balance impairments in the city. As part of its support for deaf residents, the city assigns sign language interpreters to Naka Ward Office and Totsuka Ward Office twice a week for about three hours each time. In addition, tablet devices connecting to sign language interpreters are installed in all ward offices, creating a system to handle administrative procedures and consultations. According to the city’s Health and Welfare Bureau, in fiscal 2024, sign language interpretation at ward offices was used 88 times, and the tablet service was used 80 times.

Takashi Ojima, chairperson of the Yokohama Association of the Deaf, which addresses issues in the lives of deaf people and offers sign language courses, said:

“With the April 2024 enforcement of the revised Act for Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities, companies have begun incorporating sign language into training programs, and society’s awareness is starting to change.”

“Placement in All Ward Offices”

The association submits requests each year to the city regarding support for deaf residents, particularly calling for expanded placement of sign language interpreters in ward offices. Chairperson Ojima explained, “The reassurance of having an interpreter is enormous, and we want them placed in every ward,” expressing expectations for action in light of the new law. In response, the city has stated, “We review the situation every year, taking into account usage and other factors.”

In addition to interpreter placement, the city also provides guidelines for its staff on responding to deaf residents, and intends to include related measures in the next City Disability Plan starting in fiscal 2027, moving forward with responses based on the enforcement of the law.