Tokyo Gears Up for Japan’s First Deaflympics with Push for Accessibility

By Barrier Free Japan

November 13 2025

TOKYO – As the Deaflympics are set to open in Tokyo on Saturday, Narita airport near the Japanese capital is stepping up efforts to ensure accessibility for deaf and hearing-impaired visitors, introducing easy-to-understand pictogram signage and written communication tools.

The airport, one of Japan’s main international gateways, will serve as a key entry point for athletes and officials arriving for the 12-day event running from Nov. 15 to 26. Organizers expect more than 3,000 athletes from about 80 countries and regions to take part in 21 sports across venues in Tokyo, as well as in Shizuoka and Fukushima prefectures.

“We want to thoroughly simulate interactions with arrivals and be ready for them,” one airport staff member said.

To assist travelers, Narita has prepared fillable inquiry sheets for visitors seeking information on train connections and other services, while pictograms are used to clearly indicate the direction of facilities such as banks and elevators.

In the lead-up to the games, airport staff underwent hands-on training led by people with hearing impairments. The sessions, held annually by the airport operator and other members of a customer satisfaction council, were designed to improve staff communication with passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

This year’s seminar, held in late October, offered practical guidance such as using key words rather than full sentences in writing, and emphasizing facial expressions and mouth movements when communicating.

Akane Kitayama, 26, who began working in information and guidance services at the airport in February, said the training changed her approach after she once struggled to assist an elderly man with a hearing impairment.

“My awareness changed. I was able to guide passengers wearing hearing aids while clearly showing my expressions,” she said. “I want to keep focusing on being visually clear.”

Her colleague, Naoki Kondo, 25, said he plans to rely on smartphone translation apps to better communicate with international visitors. “Since many people are visiting from overseas, I want to make full use of translation features and carefully provide guidance,” he said.

The Tokyo metropolitan government, meanwhile, is conducting sign language lessons for its staff as part of final preparations for hosting the Deaflympics, often referred to as the Olympics for athletes with hearing difficulties. Officials hope the initiative will not only support smooth operations during the event but also promote broader understanding of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

The upcoming Deaflympics will mark the first time Japan has hosted the international multi-sport event, which dates back to 1924 and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.