Opening Ceremony of the 25th Summer Deaflympics Tokyo 2025

On November 15, 2025, in the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino, Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako, and His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the Opening Ceremony of the 25th Summer Deaflympics Tokyo 2025, which was held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in her opening address:

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan. I would like to offer a few words at the opening of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics in the gracious presence of Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino, Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako, and His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito.

On behalf of the Government, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of this opening ceremony today. Together with the people of Japan, I extend a warm welcome to all those who have gathered here from around the world.

The athletes participating in the Deaflympics have endured rigorous training and overcome many challenges to stand on this stage. I express my profound respect for the effort, passion, and fortitude each and every one of you has shown. I hope that you will demonstrate your abilities to the fullest and show the world what your daily training has prepared you to achieve.

At the Olympic and Paralympic Games held in Tokyo four years ago, the pandemic prevented many people from watching the events in person at the venues. Nevertheless, the vision of an inclusive society that we aspired to has endured and continues to be carried forward.

This October, Mr. KAWAI Junichi, a gold medalist in Paralympic swimming and an athlete who is blind, became the Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency. We will vigorously work to create an environment in which all people with disabilities can access and enjoy sports.

In June, prior to these Games, the ‘Act on the Promotion of Measures concerning Sign Language’ took effect in Japan. To deepen understanding and raise awareness of sign language among the public at large, Japan designated September 23— the same date as the ‘International Day of Sign Languages’ established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly—as Sign Language Day.

Furthermore, the Act calls for efforts to support the acquisition of sign language and to develop environments that enable its smooth use in schools, workplaces, and local communities. I believe that the Deaflympics will provide an opportunity for more people across Japan to become familiar with sign language and the diverse forms of communication it presents.

Going forward, Japan will continue to steadily advance our efforts to realize a society in which each and every individual, regardless of disability, can fully demonstrate their abilities and realize their dreams along the path they choose. As the Government, we will earnestly endeavor to create an inclusive society that enables everyone to thrive and share in that joy.

I extend my deep gratitude to all those involved in preparing for these Games, including the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, and the host city of Tokyo, all of whom have dedicated themselves to organizing the event.

Let me conclude my remarks by sincerely wishing every athlete the best of luck and expressing my hope that these Games will be memorable and wonderful for all the participants and for people around the world. Thank you very much.”