From ANN News
August 16 2026
TOKYO – Princess Kako said:
“First, I would like to express my deep condolences to those who lost their lives in the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake and the August 2026 Chiba Torrential Rain, and offer my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by these disasters.”
On the afternoon of the 16th, Princess Kako delivered a greeting in sign language at a nationwide high school sign language speech contest held in Tokyo.
Regarding the areas hit by the Kumamoto Earthquake and Chiba Torrential Rain, she stated, “I hope that recovery efforts progress and that people will be able to live with peace of mind once again.”
She also shared an anecdote from the Deaflympics, the Olympics for the deaf and hard of hearing held last year, where she communicated in sign language with someone seated far away.
Afterward, Princess Kako watched the contestants’ speeches from the audience and applauded by waving both hands, the sign language gesture for applause.
Barrier Free Japan 
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