Tokyo Deaflympics Venue Attendance Far Exceeded Expectations

From NHK World

November 26 2025

TOKYO – The organizers of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics have revealed that the number of people who visited the event’s venues totaled about 280,000 — far more than their target of 100,000.

Japan hosted the international competition for athletes with hearing disabilities for the first time. The event ran for 12 days from November 15.

The president of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, Adam Kosa, and other officials attended a news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, the event’s closing day.

Kosa described the games as very high-level in all aspects, including competition, preparation, facilities and equipment.

He added many sports federations commented that the event was very special. He also said he was overwhelmed to see the venues packed with spectators.

Kosa went on to describe the games as being on par with the Olympics and Paralympics as an international sports event.

Hisamatsu Mitsuji of the Japanese Federation of the Deaf chaired the event’s organizing committee. He stressed the games’ significance toward realizing an inclusive society.

He said people who cannot hear, or have difficulty hearing, used to be supported and protected, but have now taken a step toward becoming supporting members of society.