Greetings
ISHIBASHI Daigo
President, Japanese Federation of the Deaf
It is our pleasure to host the 73rd National Congress of the Deaf here in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, a place blessed with nature. We welcome you all, gathering from all over Japan.
We have pursued the deaf movement to eliminate social discrimination and prejudice stemming from the “medical model,” which views deafness as an inferior condition to hearing.
Persons with disabilities in Japan were often forced to undergo sterilizations or abortions under the former Eugenic Protection Law. But, as a result of our movement, the Supreme Court in July 2024 ruled that those measures were unconstitutional and serious human rights violations rooted in eugenic ideology. The court ordered the government to compensate the victims.
Additionally, in January 2025, the Osaka High Court made a landmark ruling concerning a girl with a hearing disability, who was killed in a traffic accident. The court overturned the district court’s decision, and acknowledged that the victim’s lost earnings should be the same as those of people without disabilities.
Both rulings clearly show that disability is not a personal problem, but arises from social discrimination, prejudice, and the environment. Through our longtime efforts, the concept of the “social model” has finally begun to take root.
This way of thinking, addressed in various contexts, is gaining deeper understanding nationwide. We will continue to work together to eradicate unconscious discrimination and eugenic ideas that persist in people’s minds, with the aim of realizing a truly inclusive society.
The Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics is going to take place this November. The National Deaflympics Caravan Tour is starting today here in Iwate.
This caravan tour aims to raise awareness and enthusiasm for deaf sports and the Deaflympics across Japan. We will promote to increase the number of deaf sports supporters and fans. We will make use of this opportunity to work on improving the environment and status of deaf sports.
To conclude, I would like to show my appreciation to the executive committee members for their great efforts in preparing for the Congress. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the distinguished guests, including representatives from Iwate Prefecture and Morioka City, who are attending despite their busy schedules.
Thank you.
At the73nd National Congress of the Deaf in Iwate, Japan
June 15, 2025