I moved to Kurashiki from the Kanto region in December 2023, and I have a hearing disability.
When I’m struggling with work or personal matters, the people I can really rely on are others who share my experience.
When I had a sign language interpreter at work, they told me, “Kurashiki City also has a Deaf Association,” so I went to the second Fureai Salon.
The information provided was current when this article was published in March 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
A salon where people with hearing disabilities and their supporters in Kurashiki City gather
The second Fureai Salon was an event hosted by the Kurashiki City Deaf Association.
People with hearing disabilities who live, study, or work in Kurashiki City and their supporters (sign language interpreters registered with the city and members of sign language circles registered with the city) gather to deepen their connections while taking part in recreational activities. The event is planned with the following aims:
- For people with hearing disabilities, it is a place to connect and pursue lifelong learning in their own language, sign language.
- For supporters, it is a place to connect with people who use sign language as their own language.
The second Fureai Salon: a cloisonne workshop
The second Fureai Salon, held on Sunday, January 28, 2024, was a “cloisonne workshop.”
Cloisonne is sometimes called a gemstone that people can design. This type of pottery is characterized by colorful glazes and sparkling patterns.
When we entered the venue, the main hall of Kurashiki Nishi Community Center, we chose an accessory or piece of cutlery to decorate with cloisonne at the reception desk and paid the participation fee.
About 20 participants of all ages, from elementary school students to older adults, chose accessories or cutlery to turn into works of art, delighted to see one another again after a long time. I decided to decorate the handle of a teaspoon with cloisonne.
A place where you can participate using the language that feels most comfortable to you
The instructor, Maruyama Shoko, is hearing, but there was a sign language interpreter beside her, so we could also follow the explanations of the steps in sign language.
In addition, everyone received a written instruction sheet, so we could picture the process by comparing the written instructions with the sign language interpretation.
An interpreter using tactile sign language was also there for a participant who was deafblind (with both visual and hearing disabilities).
The environment allowed us to participate using the language that was easiest for each of us to understand, whether sign language, written text, or tactile sign language.
I use sign language regularly, but I hadn’t had a conversation using tactile sign language since I was a student. I was a little nervous, but a supporter who regularly works as an interpreter was nearby, so I enjoyed the conversation with their help.
Time to try cloisonne
First, we chose our favorite colors and applied the glaze.
Maruyama brought a wide range of glazes, so it was hard to settle on just one color.
Everyone chose carefully, since the color would determine the overall impression.
Next, we placed glass frit on top of the glaze. Glass frit is like beads.
Apparently, part of the fun of cloisonne is not knowing how it will melt when it is fired in a hot kiln.
Maruyama brought a portable kiln that day, so she fired our pieces right there.
People with hearing disabilities need an interpreter to take part in hands-on activities, but even when they see “pottery-making experiences” at tourist destinations, they may give up, thinking, “It might be difficult because I can’t hear.”
That is why being able to pursue lifelong learning in a community of people who can use sign language is such a valuable experience.
Everyone was amazed as they looked at their pieces before and after firing, saying, “So this is how they change!”
A place where people with hearing disabilities living in Kurashiki can gather
While the pieces were firing, participants chatted with one another.
People with hearing disabilities who live in Kurashiki City all have family and work commitments, so opportunities to get together regularly are limited.
That is why events hosted by organizations of people with hearing disabilities, such as the Kurashiki City Deaf Association, are precious opportunities to meet others who share your experience.
I had only just moved to Kurashiki City from the Kanto region in December 2023, so I met several people with hearing disabilities for the first time at this event.
As I settle into life in Kurashiki, I’m sure I’ll often rely on the people who have lived here longer and share sign language as a common language with me.
I was truly grateful to meet new friends through the Fureai Salon.
From the Writer
The finished cloisonne pieces each reflected the individuality of their creators.
Every participant said, “It’s too nice to use. I want to display it.”
I’ve also left my spoon on display in my room, thinking, “I’ll use this when I eat a special dessert.” I’m happy with the piece; just imagining when I might use it makes me happy.
I was also struck by how sign language conversations were constantly taking place at this event, which was hosted by an organization of people with hearing disabilities.
In October 2024, the “National Conference of Deaf Women in Okayama” will be held in Okayama Prefecture.
Kurashiki City is scheduled to be one of the venues, and I hope that society will gradually become one where the presence of sign language is taken for granted.
second sign language salon Information
| Name | Second Sign Language Salon |
|---|---|
| Date | January 28, 2024, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
| Location | 199-3 Hachioji-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation fee (tax included) | From 1,200 yen (price varies depending on the materials) |
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