The Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics opened in Tokyo on November 15, marking the first time the event has been held in Japan. A record 3,081 athletes from 81 countries and regions are set to compete. Crown Prince Akishino and other royals attended the opening ceremony.
The Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics opened on Saturday, November 15, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, launching the international sports event for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes. This marks the first time the Deaflympics have been held in Japan, with competitions spanning 21 sports and 209 disciplines running through November 26.
During the opening ceremony, athletes and officials from participating countries marched into the venue amid audience cheers. Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, their second daughter Princess Kako, and son Prince Hisahito attended. In his speech, Crown Prince Akishino said, “It is my sincere wish that the Games will contribute to the realization of an inclusive society in which all people can make the most of their individuality and demonstrate their abilities, and the respective differences between deaf and hearing people are mutually recognized and respected.”
According to Adam Kosa, president of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), a record 3,081 athletes—2,014 men and 1,067 women—from 81 countries and regions will compete. Athletes from Russia and Belarus, amid the ongoing aggression in Ukraine, will participate as neutral Deaflympic athletes without national representation. A group from South Sudan joins as a refugee team, while those from East Timor and Laos compete despite lacking national deaf sports bodies. Japan fields a record about 270 participants across all sports, including new entries like handball.
At a press conference in Tokyo on Friday, Kosa said in sign language, “I’m sure this will be a great event for deaf people.” Mitsuji Hisamatsu, head of the organizing committee, added, “We have been trying to raise awareness nationwide about what the Deaflympics and deaf sports are. We want many people to watch the games.” On Friday evening, Japan's athletes gathered for a delegation launch ceremony at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo, where female karate athlete Ryo Ogura pledged fair competition and worthy performances.