Gifu Prefectural Police Introduce ‘Sign Language Link’, Available Even if No Police Present

From The Chunichi Shimbun

January 10 2026

Gifu Pref – To ensure that people with hearing impairments can report incidents or seek advice even when no police officer is present at a police box (kōban), the prefectural police on the 9th launched a service called “Sign Language Link,” which enables video calls through a sign language interpreter.

Sign Language Link is provided by the Japan Foundation Telephone Relay Service, a general incorporated foundation based in Tokyo. When police officers leave a kōban or a residential police post, they put up a notice indicating their absence. By scanning the QR code on this notice with a smartphone or other device, users are connected to a video call, initiating a three-way conversation between the user, a sign language interpreter, and an officer at the police station. Through the interpreter, users can convey reports or consultation requests to the officer.