[Held on Sunday, October 18] 9th National Association of Mayors of Cities, Wards, Towns and Villages for Sign Language “Sign Language Theater Festival” 〜 A day to experience a variety of sign language through comedy duos and performances, among other things

In September 2024, Hayashima Town enacted a Sign Language Ordinance, making Okayama Prefecture the first prefecture in Japan where every municipality has enacted a Sign Language Ordinance.

As a result, municipalities are actively training sign language interpreters and creating environments that make it easier for people who use sign language in their daily lives to live in society.

Takahashi City, where Okayama Prefecture’s first Sign Language Ordinance was enacted, marks the 10th anniversary of its enactment in fiscal 2026. To commemorate this, we introduce the “9th National Sign Language Mayors’ Association Sign Language Theater Festival,” to be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

What is the 9th National Sign Language Mayors’ Association Sign Language Theater Festival?

The National Sign Language Mayors’ Association Sign Language Theater Festival (hereafter, “the Sign Language Theater Festival”) is an event organized by the National Sign Language Mayors’ Association.

Its purpose is not only to promote sign language, but also to give people in regional cities the opportunity to experience the culture that emerges from sign language and its appeal. The host city is selected from among member cities nationwide. In fiscal 2025, the festival was held in Fuchu City, Tokyo.

In fiscal 2026, it will be held at Takahashi General Cultural Hall in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 18.

See the images below for details.

The application deadline is Friday, September 25, but you can also attend on the day.

Interview with the Secretariat

We spoke with Uda Kiyomi and Morimoto Naho of the Welfare Division, Health and Welfare Department, Takahashi City Hall, who serve as the festival’s secretariat, about the background to the festival and what to look forward to on the day.

Could you tell us about the 9th National Sign Language Mayors’ Association “Sign Language Theater Festival”?

Uda (titles omitted)

The Sign Language Theater Festival is a nationwide event organized by the Sign Language Ordinance Mayors’ Association, established in 2016 to exchange information on Sign Language Ordinances and sign language-related policies, and to work toward the enactment of laws such as the Sign Language Act.

As of March 2026, the National Sign Language Mayors’ Association comprises mayors of 663 cities and wards nationwide as full members, and mayors of 18 towns and villages as associate members. Takahashi City has been an active full member since the association was established.

The Sign Language Theater Festival is hosted in rotation by member cities and wards each year. For fiscal 2026, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, put itself forward to host the event as a commemorative project marking the 10th anniversary of its Sign Language Ordinance, and was successfully selected as the host city.

The program, centered on stage performances, is planned for Takahashi General Cultural Hall.

In the morning, organizations serving people with disabilities in Takahashi City will gather at the same venue for the “Takahashi Working Market,” selling delicious food and handmade products. This market is a regular event in Takahashi City, held four to five times a year.

Then, in the afternoon, visitors can experience sign language at the “Sign Language Theater Festival,” making it an event to enjoy all day.

What are some highlights of the event?

Uda

One of the highlights is that you can enjoy sign language in many different forms, including sign language used by Deaf people and by sign language learners.

The stage performances will feature sign language learners of various ages, from elementary school students to adults, from Takahashi City. Takahashi Municipal Tomie Elementary School, which will perform the opening act, is said to be introducing Takahashi City’s local specialties in sign language.

We will also welcome Deaf guests who are involved in a range of activities, including Japanese dance, Deaf sports, and sign language comedy. We are very much looking forward to hearing firsthand accounts of what it feels like to dance or compete in a world without sound, and to experience humor.

It has been 10 years since Takahashi City enacted its Sign Language Ordinance. What has changed compared with before it was enacted?

Uda

As sign language has been featured more prominently in the city newsletter and public broadcasts, Deaf residents have told us, “More people have become interested in sign language.”

The city has also begun to focus on training sign language interpreters, and the emergence of registered sign language interpreters has been a major change.

Also, since the city appointed a dedicated sign language interpreter, we have often seen Deaf residents use sign language interpretation when visiting a doctor or completing procedures at city hall. Before the system was established, we believe it was difficult to arrange sign language interpreters even when people wanted to.

We hope that holding a nationwide event like the Sign Language Theater Festival in Takahashi City will make sign language even more familiar to the people of Takahashi.

Who would you like to see attend the Sign Language Theater Festival?

Morimoto (titles omitted)

The program is enjoyable not only for people who use sign language in their daily lives, but also for those who are not very familiar with it.

We hope anyone who likes dancing, sports, or comedy—or even just one of these—will feel welcome to join us.

We would be delighted if even one more person develops an interest in sign language by taking part.

Finally, do you have a message for our readers?

Uda

We have a packed program showcasing the appeal of sign language at this nationwide event in Takahashi City. We hope as many people as possible will join us, and look forward to welcoming you.

From the Writer

When you get off the train at JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, you’ll see information about the Sign Language Theater Festival on the digital signage at the adjacent Takahashi City Library. And as soon as you step into Takahashi City Hall, you’ll find a sign language class open to everyone in the open space visible from the entrance.

Ten years after the ordinance was enacted, I was struck by how sign language had taken root as a natural part of the city’s landscape. I’m already looking forward to seeing even more sign language all around on the day of the event than I did during my visit.

This autumn, the season of culture, why not take a look into the world of “sign language × Japanese dance, sports, and comedy,” which you may not often have the chance to experience?

9th National Sign Language Mayors’ Association Sign Language Theater Festival Information

Name	9th National Sign Language Mayors’ Association Sign Language Theater Festival
Date	Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Location	1212 Harada-Kitamachi, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
Admission (tax included)	Free
Website	Takahashi City website: 9th National Sign Language Mayors’ Association “Sign Language Theater Festival”

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