International Day of Sign Languages & Sign Language Day Event

About this event

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026 (public holiday), the "International Day of Sign Languages & Sign Language Day Event" will be held at Nishiwaki City Akanegaoka Complex Miraie. As part of an awareness initiative for the Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, this event aims to deepen understanding of sign language. Starting from 13:00, a sign language cafe, sign language karuta (card game), and sign language experience booths will be set up, offering fun, hands-on activities even for beginners. From 14:00, students from the Department of Life Information at Nishiwaki High School will present original performances, including a sign language play titled "Banshu-ori Fashion Show Where Everyone Can Shine" and sign language songs "Story" and "Fight Song." Furthermore, starting at 14:15, a panel discussion hosted by a joint lecture program between Hyogo University of Teacher Education and Nishiwaki City will be held under the theme "Whether You Can Hear, Have Difficulty Hearing, or Cannot Hear," featuring an exchange of opinions from various perspectives such as sign language users and cochlear implant users. Admission is free, no advance registration is required, and visitors are free to enter and leave at any time. A limited number of sweets from disability support facilities will be given to visitors. In addition, from September 21 to 26, public facilities and partner stores across the city will be lit up in blue—the logo color of the World Federation of the Deaf—raising community-wide interest in sign language.

Venue

Nishiwaki City Akanegaoka Complex Miraie

16-1 Akanegaoka, Nomuracho, Nishiwaki, Hyogo 677-0057