Introduction

The Japanese Federation of the Deaf (JFD) is the sole national organization of the Deaf in Japan, with member associations of the Deaf in 47 prefectures throughout the country. The aim of JFD is to realize full participation and equality in society for the Deaf. JFD’s basic concept is to establish an environment in which the Deaf are able to conduct independent activities and movements, gain social self-reliance through the use of Sign Language, and in which the human rights of the Deaf are protected.

Specifically, JFD’s movements are aimed to introduce Sign Language into the education system for the Deaf, to further develop the Sign Language interpreter system, etc., and thereby ensure that Deaf have access to “information and communication”. JFD is also cooperating in the movement to establish residential facilities for Deaf adults (and children) with mental or other combined disabilities. In the legislative field, JFD is conducting movements to revise the Medical Law and other laws disqualifying the disabled and hindering their social participation.

JFD’s movements have social impetus, backed by cooperation from 47 member associations in Japan, from the National Study Association for Sign Language Interpreters with 100,000 members, as well as from Sign Language “Circles” (study groups) in prefectures throughout the country. By combining the movements of Deaf associations and of Sign Language interpreter associations into one big movement, JFD effectively influenced the government to pass laws for the welfare of the Deaf and implementation of the Sign Language interpreter system. Such a method of campaigning is probably unique even when considered internationally, and should be a good model for other countries conducting Deaf rights movements.