The 2025 Deaflympics began in Tokyo on November 15, with around 3,000 Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes from more than 70 countries and regions competing. A men's soccer match between Japan and Australia kicked off proceedings at J-Village Stadium in Fukushima Prefecture, ahead of the official opening ceremony on November 16. The event marks the 100th anniversary of Deaf sports and aims to promote greater inclusivity in Japanese society.
The Deaflympics originated from the 1924 International Silent Games in Paris, making it the world's second-oldest multisport event. This year marks the 25th Summer Deaflympics and the first time Tokyo has hosted, with competitions in basketball, swimming, golf, Greco-Roman wrestling, and more across Tokyo, Fukushima, and Shizuoka prefectures. A Tokyo Metropolitan Government spokesperson told The Japan Times, "(We want) to develop the city into a world-class sports hub where everyone enjoys sports," adding that the games offer "a valuable opportunity to promote inclusive sports and foster greater understanding of diversity in our society."
Miyu Nakamura, founder of Japan Sign Travel, noted the potential for the event to position Japan as a "Deaf-friendly travel destination." Unlike the Paralympics, the Deaflympics are governed by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), as Deaf athletes do not qualify under Paralympic disability criteria. Former CISS president Jerald M. Jordan wrote, "Deaf people do not consider themselves disabled, particularly in physical ability. Rather, we consider ourselves to be part of a cultural and linguistic minority."
Previous hosts like Samsun in 2017 improved accessibility with visual signage, while Melbourne in 2005 generated $19 million economically. In Japan, the 2021 Paralympics boosted awareness, leading to the June 2025 Act on Promotion of Measures Concerning Sign Language. Japanese Federation of the Deaf president Daigo Ishibashi explained its significance, codifying rights to acquire, learn, use, and protect sign language for the community of around 300,000.
Preparations include training over 200 interpreters and installing light-based alerts in facilities. Technologies like universal communication screens and OriHime robots enable remote participation. The men's soccer opener in Fukushima drew families, with sign language volunteers assisting. Extending to November 26, the games engage children, including from disaster areas like Ishikawa and Fukushima, to build early interest in inclusive sports. A 2023 survey showed 98% awareness of the Paralympics but only 16% for the Deaflympics, highlighting the need for broader education.