I moved from the Kanto region to Kurashiki in December 2023, and I have a hearing impairment.
When I have worries about work or personal matters, I can always rely on my fellow peers who share the same experience.
When I had a sign language interpreter at work, the interpreter told me, "There is a Deaf Association in Kurashiki City," so I went to the 2nd Friendship Salon.
Salon for Deaf individuals and their supporters in Kurashiki City
The 2nd Friendship Salon is an event organized by the Kurashiki City Deaf Association.
Deaf individuals residing or commuting to Kurashiki City and their supporters (registered sign language interpreters and members of registered sign language circles in the city) gather to deepen their interactions while participating in recreational activities, and it is planned with the following intentions.
- A place for individuals with hearing impairments to communicate and engage in lifelong learning in their own language, sign language
- A place for supporters to interact with individuals who actually use sign language as their language
The 2nd Friendship Salon is "Shippoyaki Class"
The 2nd Friendship Salon, held on January 28, 2024, was a "Shippoyaki (enamel) class."
Shippoyaki is said to be a gem that can be designed by people, characterized by its colorful glazes and sparkling patterns.
Upon entering the main hall of the Kurashiki West Community Center, participants select the accessories or cutlery they want to make in Shippoyaki and pay the participation fee.
About 20 participants of various ages, from elementary school students to seniors, joyfully reunite and choose the accessories or cutlery they want to create. I decided to apply Shippoyaki to the handle of a teaspoon.
A place to participate in the most comfortable language
The instructor, Maruyama Shoko, is a hearing person, but there is a sign language interpreter next to her, so explanations of the procedures can also be understood in sign language.
Additionally, each participant was given a written procedure sheet, allowing them to compare the text on the sheet with the sign language interpretation to enhance their understanding of the tasks.
Furthermore, participants who are deafblind (having both visual and hearing impairments) also had tactile sign language interpretation available.
The environment allowed participants to choose the most understandable language for them, whether it be sign language, written text, or tactile sign language.
I usually use sign language, but it had been since my student days that I communicated using tactile sign language. I was a bit nervous, but I enjoyed the conversation with the support of interpreters who are usually around me.
Let's experience Shippoyaki
First, choose your favorite color and apply the glaze.
Since Maruyama brought many glazes, it was hard to choose just one color.
Since it determines the overall impression, everyone was choosing carefully.
Next, place glass frit on top of the glaze. Glass frit is something like beads.
Since it will be baked in a hot kiln, not knowing how it will melt is part of the fun of Shippoyaki.
On the day of the event, Maruyama brought a portable kiln, so the pieces were baked on the spot.
Having a hearing impairment means that an interpreter is needed to experience hands-on activities, but even when I see "pottery experiences" at tourist spots, I sometimes give up thinking, "It might be difficult because I can't hear."
Therefore, being able to engage in lifelong learning within a community of sign language users is a valuable experience.
While looking at the pieces before and after baking, everyone was surprised, saying, "So this is how it changes."
A place for Deaf individuals living in Kurashiki to gather
While waiting for the pieces to finish baking, there was a time for participants to chat with each other.
Deaf individuals living in Kurashiki City each have their own families and jobs, so opportunities to gather regularly are limited.
For this reason, events organized by peer organizations like the Kurashiki City Deaf Association are an important time to meet fellow peers.
I myself just moved to Kurashiki City from the Kanto region in December 2023, so there were several Deaf individuals I met for the first time at this event.
As I continue to live in Kurashiki, I believe I will have many opportunities to be supported by seniors in Kurashiki who share the common language of sign language.
I truly felt grateful to have met peers through the Friendship Salon.
Conclusion
The completed Shippoyaki pieces became works that reflected each participant's individuality.
Every participant said, "It feels too precious to use. I want to display it."
My spoon is also displayed in my room, saying, "I will use it for special desserts." I am satisfied to have created a piece that brings happiness just by imagining the occasions I will use it.
Additionally, it was impressive that there was always sign language conversation happening, as this event was organized by a peer organization for individuals with hearing impairments.
In October 2024, the National Deaf Women's Okayama Conference will be held in Okayama Prefecture.
Kurashiki City is also expected to be one of the venues, so I would be happy if a society where sign language is commonplace continues to expand.
Data from the 2nd Sign Language Salon
| Name | 2nd Sign Language Salon |
|---|---|
| Date | January 28, 2024, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Location | 199-3 Hachioji-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 1,200 yen and up (price varies depending on materials) |
