Event report from the Special Class on the Deaflympics: “What would a world without sound be like?” – Step into the Unknown with an Interlingual Mystery-Solving Game!

Less than 200 days to go until the TOKYO 2025 DEAFLYMPICS. Raise interest and learn more about the Deaflympics. With that in mind, a special class titled “What would a world without sound be like?” was held at Nakano Ward’s Tōka Elementary, which is where the Taekwondo venue is located, welcoming Ikumi Kawamata, TOKYO 2025 DEAFLYMPICS Support Ambassador, and Moe Hoshino, Japan’s national Deaf Taekwondo athlete.

Starting wth the “Sign language applause”
Approximately 120 sixth-grade students gathered at the gymnasium of Nakano Ward’s Tōka Elementary School.
They all wait for the special class to start by taking a look at the “Let’s Learn: Deaflympics” teaching materials prepared for the special class.

It’s time for the class to begin! The class started with Shogo Nishiwaki, a sign language artist, introducing the “sign language applause” (the act of flapping both hands next to the face), and the guests speakers were welcomed by the whole audience.

Special Class by Ikumi Kawamata, TOKYO 2025 DEAFLYMPICS Ambassador,
The Special Class started with the gentle and fast-paced class by Ikumi Kawamata, “What does it mean to be deaf?” or “What kind of language is sign language?” The 45-minute interactive session with constant smiles and surprises included an introduction of sign language and deaf culture, history of Deaflympics, as well as students actively participating in sign language quizzes.

Moe Hoshino introduced the sign language of Taekwondo. Nakano-City General Gymnasium will be the venue for Taekwondo!

The Special Class was filled with fresh valuable learnings for the students including sign language being a “visual language”, ways to communicate with people who cannot hear.

Experience using Ontenna to feel the sound！
Next up was “Ontenna” which was developed by Fujitsu. Ontenna, a communication device that enables participants to feel the characteristics of “sound” through vibrations and light. Ontenna is an all-new kind of user interface that you clip in your hair, on your earlobe, or collar and sense sound characteristics through vibration and light. The students experienced this by wearing them on their wrist!

When “Ontenna” vibrates to the sound of drums played by the students, they were surprised to say “Wow!”, ”Amazing!” The whole gymnasium was excited through the experience to “feel” the sound.

Hints in the sign language!? Interlingual Mystery Solving Game
May 9th was “Mystery Solving day”. With that said, the students challenged the “Interlingual Mystery Solving Game”! Actually there were hints in the sign language taught by Ikumi Kawamata…? The students challenged a quiz to open a locked treasure chest based on “Interlingual” which Shogo Nishiwaki brought out.

Everyone cooperated by using sign language, visual, and reasoning abilities.
Some even actively tried to have a conversation with Moe Hoshino and Shogo Nishiwaki to get hints….

As the light of solving the mystery gradually came into view, the students naturally called out to each other and communicated while trying sign language.　It became a time to deepen understanding about “Different languages”.

Some teams successfully solved a very high-level mystery! Delightful cheers of “Hooray” reverberated through the gymnasium at the moment when the treasure chest was opened.

A new form of support, “Cheer Signs” (Japanese name: Sign-Yell)
Next, the students experienced “Cheer Signs” (Japanese name: Sign-Yell) to support athletes who are unable to hear or have difficulty hearing. They learned Cheer Signs based on the Japanese sign language under the guidance of Shogo Nishiwaki, who is a member of the development team, including “Go!”, “You can do it!”, “Grab the Medal!”.

Assuming the actual competition venue, everyone cheered on Moe Hoshino and watched the taekwondo “Pumse (kata)” demonstration.
Moe Hoshino was greeted by “Cheer Signs” of “You can do it!” She demonstrated Taekwondo- Taegeuk Paljang and Taebek.
Everyone couldn’t take their eyes off from the brilliant kicks, precise movements, and beautiful balance.

Everyone applauded in sign language and shouted, “Grab the Medal!” to Moe Hoshino, who gave a splendid performance, Powerful Cheer Signs filled with thoughts—the power of such support enveloped the gymnasium.
Everyone had a somewhat satisfied expression on their faces hearing the words from Moe Hoshino saying “I could feel the support from many people” after the demonstration.

Enjoy conveying your thoughts and feelings”
Message from Ikumi Kawamata after the program finished. Through this experience, I want everyone to take on the challenge of “knowing” first and then “conveying” without hesitation…. That was the message conveyed to the students at the end.

The Special Class ended by giving a great sign language applause to Moe Hoshino, Ikumi Kawamata and Shogo Nishiwaki. Taking a commemorative picture together with the sign language of “Deaflympics”.

As you grow up and go out into the world, you may encounter more and more people who are deaf. One of the participants honestly said “I want to learn more about sign language and the world without sounds to build a strong relationship at such times”.

Watch, feel, think, support――
The Special Class implemented a definite “understanding” towards the future of the students.

《Please see details of “Cheer Signs” (Japanese name :Sign-Yell) and demonstration movie here》