In September 2024, a sign language language ordinance was enacted in Hayashima Town, making Okayama Prefecture the first prefecture in Japan to have all cities and towns establish sign language language ordinances.

As a result, each city and town is actively training sign language interpreters and creating an environment that makes it easier for people who use sign language to live in society.

Takahashi City, where the first sign language language ordinance in Okayama Prefecture was enacted, will celebrate its 10th anniversary in the fiscal year 2026. This article introduces the "9th National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association Sign Language Drama Festival" to be held on October 18, 2026 (Sunday) in commemoration of this anniversary.

What is the 9th National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association Sign Language Drama Festival

The National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association Sign Language Drama Festival (hereinafter referred to as "Sign Language Drama Festival") is an event organized by the National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association.

The aim is not only to promote sign language but also to allow local cities to experience the culture and charm that arises from sign language. The hosting location is selected from member cities and towns across the country, and in the fiscal year 2025, it was held in Fuchu City, Tokyo.

In the fiscal year 2026, it will be held at the Takahashi Comprehensive Cultural Center in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, on October 18 (Sunday) from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Please check the following image for details.

The application deadline is September 25 (Friday), but same-day participation is also possible.

Interview with the Secretariat

We spoke with Uda Kiyomiうだ きよみ and Morimoto Nahoもりもと なほ, who are in charge of the secretariat for the Sign Language Drama Festival, about the background leading to the festival and highlights of the day.

Please tell us about the overview of the 9th National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association "Sign Language Drama Festival."

Uda (no honorifics)

The Sign Language Drama Festival is a nationwide project organized by the Sign Language Ordinance City and Town Mayors' Association, which was established in 2016 with the aim of exchanging information about sign language ordinances and policies, and promoting the establishment of the "Sign Language Law."

As of March 2026, the National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association consists of 663 city mayors as full members and 18 town mayors as associate members, and Takahashi City has been active as a full member since its establishment.

The Sign Language Drama Festival is held annually in member cities, and in the fiscal year 2026, Takahashi City of Okayama Prefecture volunteered to host the event as a commemorative project for the 10th anniversary of the sign language ordinance and successfully became the host city.

On the day of the event, a program centered around stage presentations is planned at the Takahashi Comprehensive Cultural Center.

In the morning, a market called "Takahashi Working Market" will also be held at the same venue, where businesses attended by people with disabilities in Takahashi City will gather to sell delicious food and handmade products. This market is a regular event in Takahashi City held 4 to 5 times a year.

Furthermore, in the afternoon, attendees will be able to enjoy various activities related to sign language, making it an all-day enjoyable event.

What are the highlights of the event?

Uda

The event's highlight is that various forms of sign language can be enjoyed, from that of deaf individuals to that of sign language learners.

During the stage presentations, sign language learners of various ages, from elementary school students to adults in Takahashi City, will showcase their performances. The opening will be handled by Tomika Elementary School in Takahashi City, which will introduce Takahashi City's specialty products in sign language.

Additionally, deaf individuals involved in traditional Japanese dance, deaf athletes, and sign language comedy will also appear as guests. We are very much looking forward to hearing the voices of those directly involved about what it feels like to dance, compete, and experience laughter in a world without sound.

It has been 10 years since the sign language language ordinance was enacted in Takahashi City. Have there been any changes compared to before the ordinance was established?

Uda

Due to the increased focus on sign language in the city's public relations and administrative broadcasts, we have received feedback from deaf residents saying, "More people are becoming interested in sign language."

The city has also started to focus on training sign language interpreters, which has led to the emergence of registered sign language interpreters, marking a significant change.

Additionally, by establishing a dedicated sign language interpreter in the city, we have seen many deaf residents utilizing sign language interpretation in situations such as medical visits and administrative procedures. Before the system was established, there were likely many situations where it was difficult to dispatch sign language interpreters even if we wanted to.

By hosting a nationwide event like the Sign Language Drama Festival in Takahashi City, we hope that sign language will become even more familiar to the citizens of Takahashi City.

What kind of people would you like to come to the Sign Language Drama Festival?

Morimoto (no honorifics)

We would like not only those who use sign language in their daily lives but also those who are not very familiar with sign language to enjoy the event.

We hope that anyone who likes dancing, sports, or comedy will feel free to participate.

And we would be happy if even one more person becomes familiar with sign language by participating.

Finally, please give a message to the readers.

Uda

As we are hosting a nationwide event in Takahashi City, there will be a wealth of attractive content related to sign language. We hope many people will participate, and we look forward to your visit.

Conclusion

When you get off the train at Bichu-Takahashi Station, you will see digital signage at the adjacent Takahashi City Library announcing the Sign Language Drama Festival, and as you step into Takahashi City Hall, you will find a sign language class open to anyone in the open space visible from the entrance.

After 10 years since the ordinance was enacted, it was impressive to see how sign language has become a natural part of the city's landscape. I am looking forward to seeing even more scenes filled with sign language on the day of the event than on the day of the interview.

In this autumn of culture, why not take a peek into the world of "sign language × traditional Japanese dance, sports, and comedy," which you may not often have the opportunity to experience?

Data on the 9th National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association Sign Language Drama Festival

Name	9th National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association Sign Language Drama Festival
Date	October 18, 2026 (Sunday) 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Location	1212 Harada Kitamachi, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
Participation Fee (including tax)	Free
Homepage	Takahashi City Website 9th National Sign Language City and Town Mayors' Association "Sign Language Drama Festival"

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