Japanese Federation of the Deaf

Welcome to the English website of the Japanese Federation of the Deaf (JFD), the national organization representing Deaf persons throughout Japan.

• About JFD: Information on the Japanese Federation of the Deaf and its activities.
• News: Various updates and English-translated articles from Japanese Deaf News, JFD’s monthly newspaper.
• Information on the Great East Japan Earthquake and our relief efforts
• Our efforts toward Sign Language Legislation in Japan
• Special Page: Comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities
• About the Asian Deaf Friendship Aid Project of JFD
• An English Dictionary of Basic Japanese Signs [Out of stock]

Various Online Resources and Updates:

• Live event on the International Day of Sign Languages (posted 20 September 2023)
• Tokyo has been selected to host the 2025 Deaflympics (posted 31 October 2022)
• Emergency Statement on the Ukrainian Crisis (posted 20 April 2022)
• The International Day of Sign Languages 2021 Celebration Event will be held in Asia and Oceania. (posted 18 September 2021)
• JFD and JDSF hold International Workshop of Deaf Sports (posted 11 March 2021)
• JFD and JDSF hold 1st Meeting of Deaflympics 2025 Bid Preparation Division (posted 5 February 2021)
• Message Video from the directors of the JFD about “2020 International Day of Sign Languages.” (posted 23 September 2020)
• Situation of COVID-19 in Japan in International Sign (posted 27 August 2020)
• Views on Sign Language Interpreters in Medical Settings for Infectious Diseases (posted 6 April 2020)
• Our Movement for Promoting the Establishment of a Sign Language Law in Japan (posted 13 March 2020)
• The Five Sign Language Rights (posted 3 March 2020)
• President and the Secretariat of ICSD visit Japan (January 20th through January 23rd, 2020) (posted 5 February 2020)
• Obituary: Dr. Yerker Andersson, WFD Honorary President (posted 18 April 2016)
• President’s message in enforcing “Act for Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities” and “Amended Act on Promotion for Disabled Persons’ Employment” starting on April 1st, 2016 (posted 18 April 2016)
• Flash report – March 3rd, 2016 – Arguments in writing for “Japanese Sign Language Act” adopted by 100% of local municipal councils throughout the country (posted 3 March 2016)
• One year since Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (posted 19 March 2012)
• Sign Language Stated in Law! Revised Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities Enacted on July 29, Promulgated on August 5 (posted 16 September 2011)
• WFD President acknowledges support towards JFD’s activities for developing the Access to Information & Communication Act (Tentative) and Sign Language Act (Tentative). (posted 8 November 2010)
• “The Official Recognition of Sign Language in Legislation” — By Eiichi Takada (25 August 2004)
• Recent movements related to the UN Adhoc Committee Working Group draft of the Convention on Persons with Disabilities (as of 30 March 2004)
• Report by Eiichi Takada on the Regional Workshop towards an International Disability Convention – Bangkok, Thailand, 14-17 October 2003
• “Report from Japan” – Eiichi Takada: Country Paper for Expert Group Meeting and Seminar on an International Disability Convention (2-4 June 2003 Bangkok)
• “ESCAP’s role in poor countries” – Eiichi Takada: from Post-Meeting Questionnaire of the Thematic Working Group on Disability-related Concerns Sixth Session (5-6 June 2003 Bangkok)
• Solidarity and Movements of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Asia – Eiichi Takada (originally published in “Disability Research vol. 28 issue 1, Year 2000”)