Tokyo marked a milestone on Saturday with the opening ceremony of the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the first time Japan has hosted the global sporting event for athletes deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes.
A record 3,081 athletes from 81 countries and regions are taking part in the Games in Tokyo, as well as a refugee team and a neutral team competing under the Deaflympics flag, have made the final entry list for the games.
“We have used the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics as an opportunity to advance understanding of deafness, sign language, deaf sports and barrier-free communication throughout Japan,” Daigo Ishibashi, president of the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, said in his speech.
Crown Prince Fumihito, younger brother of Emperor Naruhito, attended the ceremony with Crown Princess Kiko and their children, Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito, the heir second in line to the throne.
“I hope that the Tokyo Deaflympics will create cherished memories for many people and will build momentum for even greater interest in deaf sport,” the crown prince said.
Also attending the ceremony were Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, while Adam Kósa, president of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, officially declared the Games open.
This year marks the 101st anniversary of the first Deaflympics, held in Paris in 1924. Organizers hope the event will raise awareness of Deaf culture and sign language while promoting a more inclusive society.
It is the first major international multi-sport event hosted by Japan since the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2021. The event, running through November 26, the Deaflympics feature 21 sports across 209 events.
