1960
- Curriculum for deaf high school students outlined.
- First hard of hearing class set up in regular school in Okayama City.
- Traffic Law revised; term, "deaf-mute," changed to "hearing impaired," or "unable to hear."
- New Traffic and Road Act requires deaf person to wear hearing aid in taking driving test.
- Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK: Japanese Brodcasting Group) starts new program for young deaf children, titled "TV School for the Deaf."
- Employment Promotion Law for Persons with Disabilities enacted.
- JFD holds 10th national conference in Hiroshima with 1,500 participants, resolving to found main center for deaf people.
1961
- Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to fund main center for the deaf.
- First movie on deaf couple produced, "Nameless, Poor and Beautiful," based on experiences of Deaf couple from Tokyo. Directed by Zenzo Matsuyama. His wife and actress, Mineko Takamine, plays role of deaf wife.
- Ministry of Health and Welfare reports hearing impaired population to be 163,000 as result of last census.
- Founding of main center for the deaf named "Bell Welfare Center" granted.
- JFD holds 11th national conference in Shizuoka with 1,700 participants.
1962 - Parents having deaf children hold national meeting.
- Parents of children with speech disorders form organization.
- JFD holds 12th national conference in Fukuoka with 800 participants.
1963
- Dormitory planned for National Rehabilitation Institute for the Deaf planned.
- Fukuoka Center for the Deaf opens.
- PTA of deaf schools forms federation.
- Bell Welfare Center construction starts.
- First sign language circle formed in Kyoto.
- Japanese Athletic Association of the Deaf (JAAD) joins CISS.
- JFD holds 13th national conference in Kyoto with 2,500 participants.
- WFD holds 4th World Congress in Stockholm.
- First deaf student, Masayuki Matsumoto of Kyoto, passes bar examination to be lawyer.
1964
- JFD Board and representatives meet.
- Zenichiro Oie elected as JFD president.
- Deaf Japanese make friends with deaf foreigners during Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan.
1965
- Deaf man arrested for stabbing hearing man in Tokyo, leading to demands for fair trial.
- Bell Welfare Center opens in Tokyo.
- JFD sets up head office in Bell Welfare Center.
- Ministry of Education publishes manual on speech-aural training for hearing impaired children.
- Dormitry at National Rehabilitation Institute for the Deaf opens.
- Tokyo sets up rehabilitation center for the deaf.
- JFD holds 14th national conference in Tokyo with 3,000 participants.
- First Japanese team competes at 10th World Games of Deaf in Washington, D.C.
- The number of deaf children enrolled at regular schools increases as the performance of the hearing aid improved.
1966
- Ministry of Education outlines curriculum for deaf high school students.
- Trial of deaf man opens; first deaf lawyer, Masayuki Matsumoto, stands for defense.
- Deaf issues are on agenda at Kyoto prefecture meeting and interpreting provided.
- JFD holds 15th national conference in Sappro with 2,300 participants and resumes publishing of a monthly newspaper, "The Silent News."
- First national workshop for deaf youth held in Kyoto with 160 participants identifying problems caused by discrimination and declaring equal status.
1967
- Deaf people in Tokyo demand that interpreters be provided at campaign in rallies of candidates in general election; interpreting provided at campaign rally for election in Tokyo.
- Deaf man arrested for driving without license.
- National meeting held in Tokyo to review issues of persons with disabilities.
- Ministry of Labor publishes overall policy toward employment of persons with disabilities.
- JFD holds 16th national conference in Matsuyama with 1,600 participants.
- First Japanese delegation attends 5th World Congress in Poland.
- First national sports games for deaf held in Tokyo.
1968
- Teacher training program offered to deaf students comes to end.
- First trial on driving held and JFD president Zenichiro Oie stands for witness.
- Deaf group sues for right to drive.
- Ministry of Education reviews on deaf students in pursuit for higher education.
- Bell Welfare Center closed down due to financial problems.
- National meeting on education of deaf held in Osaka.
- Workshop held prior to placement of interpreters at welfare offices in Osaka.
- First winter games of deaf held in Gunma Prefecture with 160 participants.
- JFD Board decides to form campaign headquarters for obtaining the right to drive.
- JFD presents first award in rehabilitation and culture.
- 2nd national meeting of deaf youth held in Fukushima.
- Interpreters hold first national meeting during the youth meeting held.
- "Deaf Almanac" published first since 1935.
- Osaka holds first workshop prior to assignment of interpreters in welfare office.
1969
- Kyoto City hires a part-time interpreter; protests by Kyoto Association of the Deaf results in the employment of a full-time interpreter following year.
- Kyoto Center for Deaf opens.
- JFD Board sets up committee to study Bell Welfare Center problem.
- 18th JFD national conference held in Kumamoto with 2,000 participants.
- JFD forms Deaf Youth Section.
- Japanese team joins WGD in Yugoslavia, winning three silver medals for table tennis.
- JFD editorial office holds workshop on periodicals in Kyoto.
- JFD publishes first book on Japanese Sign Language.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Deaf professional wrestlers entertaining in Kobe City
A Deaf professional wrestling group, called "Toromon JAPAN," which is located in Tokyo will hold the professional wrestling event in Kobe City on December 25, 2008.
The mike appeal. etc. in sign language are devised. Magnum TAKASAGO (real name Kazuyoshi Keduka) (28), the born Deaf wrestler representing the group, is enthusiastic about the event. "We want to show that the spectator can be able to be amused even by the Deaf, and to give the persons with disabilities the dream and courage."
Keduka loves to watch the professional wrestling games. Since the school days, he had wanted to have his own professional wrestling group some time. "I wanted to appeal that it was possible to do even by the Deaf." Keduka followed hearing professional wrestling groups across the country, watched them play, and studied how to carry out the activities and performances.
The Deaf wrestling group was formed in November, 2006. It currently has 19 Deaf men and women aged between twenties and forties. They work or do the routine things on the weekday, and practice in the gym in Saitama Prefecture on the weekend.
The upcoming event will show the hot games with the variety of techniques as well as the comedy-like performances so that the adults and the children may enjoy it.
The third event after the group was formed was held in Tokyo in February this year, attracting about 950 people. This gave Keduka confidence. He believed, "If I do it, I can."
This time, together three games of in total by a man and woman's single match each and one game by four wrestlers for the remaining war.
The sign language circle for hearing students in Kobe City helps with the guide in the seat and progress. Deaf children will be invited, and the stocking filling by the wrestlers is also planned.
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, December 24, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://mainichi.jp/kansai/news/20081224ddf041040008000c.html
The mike appeal. etc. in sign language are devised. Magnum TAKASAGO (real name Kazuyoshi Keduka) (28), the born Deaf wrestler representing the group, is enthusiastic about the event. "We want to show that the spectator can be able to be amused even by the Deaf, and to give the persons with disabilities the dream and courage."
Keduka loves to watch the professional wrestling games. Since the school days, he had wanted to have his own professional wrestling group some time. "I wanted to appeal that it was possible to do even by the Deaf." Keduka followed hearing professional wrestling groups across the country, watched them play, and studied how to carry out the activities and performances.
The Deaf wrestling group was formed in November, 2006. It currently has 19 Deaf men and women aged between twenties and forties. They work or do the routine things on the weekday, and practice in the gym in Saitama Prefecture on the weekend.
The upcoming event will show the hot games with the variety of techniques as well as the comedy-like performances so that the adults and the children may enjoy it.
The third event after the group was formed was held in Tokyo in February this year, attracting about 950 people. This gave Keduka confidence. He believed, "If I do it, I can."
This time, together three games of in total by a man and woman's single match each and one game by four wrestlers for the remaining war.
The sign language circle for hearing students in Kobe City helps with the guide in the seat and progress. Deaf children will be invited, and the stocking filling by the wrestlers is also planned.
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, December 24, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://mainichi.jp/kansai/
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Deaf painter publishes a book on deaf history and the importance of sign language
Hideto Noritomi (39) is a born-deaf painter who lives in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan (down).
He recently published a book, titled "I want to live by JSL" (up). The book displays 25 illustrations based on his oil paintings.
Hideto said he wanted to tell a lot of people about a sad history of JSL and a wonderful experience to use the sign language.
Kazuchi (5), Hideto's eldest son came home from the kindergarten division of the school for the deaf and ran up to his father. He reported on the cards given by his friend and animated cartoon DVDs one after another in JSL.
Hideto smiled at his son. "He tells what he wants to say and explains how he feels very well compared with the time when I was five years old. I am glad about it, eagerly talking to him."
Hedeto was a former student at the school for the deaf, too. The use of sign language was prohibited in the school at that time. He was taught by "oral training," which the Deaf children watched their teacher's mouth, read the words from the movement of the mouth, uttered, and pronounced. They were scolded when they used sign language. The hands and the arms were beaten or tied behind the chair.
Hideto remembered he was not able to utter very well. He was not able to lipread, either. He often felt so impatient and painful that he felt like screaming.
Hideto studied the design, and found employment in the enterprise. Afterwards, he went to Paris to learn the oil painting. He married a deaf woman, Kazuko (35) when he was 29 years old, and began to make a living as a landscape painter.
The eldest son was born in 2003. Hideto did not want him to have the same experience as he did. He determined to publish a book on the history of JSL and Deaf culture.
In 1878 the first school for the Deaf was established in Kyoto, Japan and the education for Deaf children by sign language started. However, the majority of educators of the Deaf started thinking that sign language was useless. They believed it was necessary to adopt the oral training that matched to the hearing person. The idea gradually widespread worldwide. It was not allowed to use the sign language in the schools for the Deaf across Japan in 1933. In the book, such a history is indifferently written down with Hideto's own experience.
He says, "There are still a lot of schools for the deaf in Japan which are passive toward JSL. However, JSL is the first important language for the Deaf children to express himself. I want a lot of people to understand it."
The oil painting works based on sign language, called "Deaf Art," were used for the cut-in illustration. With the blue and white colored background, abstract motif such as birds that have the wings similar with the shape of the hands, etc. is beautifully expressed.
Hideto hopes to become the bridge of the two worlds, Deaf and hearing.
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 5, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/
Monday, December 22, 2008
Deaf people at the forum learn what mental health service should be for them
On December 21, the forum on mental health service was held at the Toyama Prefecture Center for the Deaf, located in Toyama City in a northwestern part of Japan. It was sponsored by a group, called the "Group for the medical services for the Deaf in the Toyama Prefecture."
The Deaf often have hard time to communicate with their hearing coworkers as well as with his hearing family at home and always feel isolated, which causes them uneasiness and the stress. It is true that medical institutions and clinics do not have a group of experts who are aware of the needs of the Deaf.
Some prefectures have offered the counseling service with the Deaf counselor. A disability group has employed the Deaf professional equipped with knowledge of clinical psychology. According to Funada, the leader of the hosting group, the Toyama Prefecture does neither.
On the other hand, it is not easy to tell the counselor who does not know sign language through interpreting or writing a note. Funada says, "It is necessary to have a professional who has the knowledge of the Deaf community and its culture and who also understands the psychological state of a Deaf client.
At the forum, about 50 Deaf persons attended and learnt the emotional ailment while enjoying the game and the quiz.
The lecturer was Dr. Kazuhiko Katakura, the director of a clinic in a suburb of Tokyo, is a hearing psychiatrist who is fluent in sign language. As a member of the "Network of the Health Care Practitioners Interested in the Medical Service for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing," he has worked to support the Deaf victims in the stricken area of the great earthquakes.
Dr. Katakura explained a mental medical treatment plainly. He called the audience, "Deaf persons easily feel isolated. The feeling of isolation causes the suicide and the sickness of mind. To prevent these, a bond with the persons in surrounding is more important than any doctor, which should be acted immediately."
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, Dec. 22, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://mainichi.jp/area/toyama/news/20081222ddlk16040240000c.html
The Deaf often have hard time to communicate with their hearing coworkers as well as with his hearing family at home and always feel isolated, which causes them uneasiness and the stress. It is true that medical institutions and clinics do not have a group of experts who are aware of the needs of the Deaf.
Some prefectures have offered the counseling service with the Deaf counselor. A disability group has employed the Deaf professional equipped with knowledge of clinical psychology. According to Funada, the leader of the hosting group, the Toyama Prefecture does neither.
On the other hand, it is not easy to tell the counselor who does not know sign language through interpreting or writing a note. Funada says, "It is necessary to have a professional who has the knowledge of the Deaf community and its culture and who also understands the psychological state of a Deaf client.
At the forum, about 50 Deaf persons attended and learnt the emotional ailment while enjoying the game and the quiz.
The lecturer was Dr. Kazuhiko Katakura, the director of a clinic in a suburb of Tokyo, is a hearing psychiatrist who is fluent in sign language. As a member of the "Network of the Health Care Practitioners Interested in the Medical Service for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing," he has worked to support the Deaf victims in the stricken area of the great earthquakes.
Dr. Katakura explained a mental medical treatment plainly. He called the audience, "Deaf persons easily feel isolated. The feeling of isolation causes the suicide and the sickness of mind. To prevent these, a bond with the persons in surrounding is more important than any doctor, which should be acted immediately."
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, Dec. 22, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://mainichi.jp/area/
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Local city offers Deaf citizens easier access in communication through video telephone system
On December 19, Murayama City in Yamagata Prefecture started the interpreting service through the video conferencing system aiming at smooth communication with the Deaf citizen who visits the City Hall. (see the photo on the link below)
According to the NTC Business Union that manages the call center, the city is the third city that introduced the system in the prefecture, following Yamagata City and Sagae City.
The IP video conferencing system that uses an optical line was set up in the welfare office in the city hall. The staff who receives Deaf visitors, etc. operates the system, and she connects to the interpreter service section at the call center.
The interpreter interprets for the Deaf who tells the purpose of his visit. Then her vocal message is conveyed to the staff through the headphone. When the staff replies, it is similarly interpreted to the Deaf.
Eri Takahashi, the representative from the union, acted as a Deaf woman and communicated with the staff using the video conferencing system on this day when it became a start first day.
The number of Deaf/hard of hearing persons in the city is estimated to be 168. It is expected that the service offered by the city will be easier through the service by the video telephone system, though there are differences in the level of their troubles and language skill, etc.
Source: Yamagata Shimbun, Dec. 20, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://yamagata-np.jp/news/200812/20/kj_2008122000314.php
According to the NTC Business Union that manages the call center, the city is the third city that introduced the system in the prefecture, following Yamagata City and Sagae City.
The IP video conferencing system that uses an optical line was set up in the welfare office in the city hall. The staff who receives Deaf visitors, etc. operates the system, and she connects to the interpreter service section at the call center.
The interpreter interprets for the Deaf who tells the purpose of his visit. Then her vocal message is conveyed to the staff through the headphone. When the staff replies, it is similarly interpreted to the Deaf.
Eri Takahashi, the representative from the union, acted as a Deaf woman and communicated with the staff using the video conferencing system on this day when it became a start first day.
The number of Deaf/hard of hearing persons in the city is estimated to be 168. It is expected that the service offered by the city will be easier through the service by the video telephone system, though there are differences in the level of their troubles and language skill, etc.
Source: Yamagata Shimbun, Dec. 20, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://yamagata-np.jp/news/
Deaf residents tell hearing students about their own experiences as a part of the school program
Recently, the hearing students had a welfare workshop at the Mizuho Junior High School in Kyoto Prefecture. The workshop was to give the students an opportunity to deepen understanding to the problems that the persons with disabilities are faced in the community. (see the photo on the link below)
Deaf residens told a group of about 30 senior students how their daily life looked like. The students learned basic sign language and note taking as part of the welfare services to the Deaf.
The Deaf residents related how difficult it was for them to go shopping as they were often misunderstood as hearing persons by the salesperson. They also said there are not enough interpreters. They taught the students how to use basic signs.
One of the interpreters gave an example of a passage which was blocked with bicycles parked in disorder, and said, "Observing the social rule benefits the person with disabilities, too."
Members of the note-taking circle in the town also introduced the activity. The student wrote some sentences on the vinyl sheet of the overhead projector, experienced the flow projected with the projector, and learnt the difficulty of summarizing the content of speech, and the difference in speed between the spoken and the written languages.
Source: Kyoto Shimbun, Dec. 20, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/article.php?mid=P2008122000072&genre=K1&area=K40
Deaf residens told a group of about 30 senior students how their daily life looked like. The students learned basic sign language and note taking as part of the welfare services to the Deaf.
The Deaf residents related how difficult it was for them to go shopping as they were often misunderstood as hearing persons by the salesperson. They also said there are not enough interpreters. They taught the students how to use basic signs.
One of the interpreters gave an example of a passage which was blocked with bicycles parked in disorder, and said, "Observing the social rule benefits the person with disabilities, too."
Members of the note-taking circle in the town also introduced the activity. The student wrote some sentences on the vinyl sheet of the overhead projector, experienced the flow projected with the projector, and learnt the difficulty of summarizing the content of speech, and the difference in speed between the spoken and the written languages.
Source: Kyoto Shimbun, Dec. 20, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
"Ear Mark" seal project to help medical professionals to understand the communication needs of people with hearing disability
The NPO (incorporated nonprofit organization) Iwate Prefecture Association of the Late Deafened and Hard of Hearing (NIPALDHH) is working on the spread of "Ear Mark" seal project to the medical institutions in the prefecture.The "Ear Mark" (耳マーク) is a logo symbolized with the shape of the ear. At the bottom of the seal the phrase is printed: "I have a hearing problem" to show that you will need to use hand signals with the hard of hearing. The aim of the mark is to let a hearing person know the needs of the communication needs of people with hearing disability.
Persons who have a difficulty in hearing are often misunderstood at a glance as they look normal. NIPALDHH is promoting the use of the "Ear Mark" seal. "The seal is easy to put on the consultation card and the clinical record."
It has distributed the seals to the hospitals and clinics in the prefecture through the Prefecture Medical Association this June. The professional association sent 1000 sheets (ten pieces per sheet) of the Ear Mark to about 100 medical institutions in the prefecture in September.
At a hospital in Morioka City which has introduced the seal project since about ten years ago, the staff obtains the patient's consent, puts the seal on his/her clinical record so that it is easy for the concerned staff to notice.
The Director of the hospital actually feels the effect, saying that "By doing with the seal project, the staff can communicate slowly while seeing patient's eyes."
When the name is called in the waiting room in the hospital etc. , the person with hearing disability doesn't often notice. He/She understands neither what the doctor explains nor what he directs, and easily get puzzled.
The Chair of NIPALDHH says, "The doctor or nurse sees the seal on the clinical record, and tap the patient's shoulder when to call, and by writing explains the condition and treatment. Because more people get older now, I want them to use the seal, too."
Susumu Sato (81), a resident of Morioka City and a NIPALDHH member, also says "I want many more hospitals and clinics to introduce the seal project."
Source: Iwate Daily Report, Dec. 16, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.iwate-np.co.jp/cgi-
Monday, December 15, 2008
Deaf man practices hard to become a professional drummer
Toshiyuki Ajiki (46), a Deaf man with weak sight who lives in Matsue City in a western part of Japan, played the drum performance at a regional conference for the DeafBlind in Matsue City held on November 15-16, 2008. (See the photo on the link below)
He is now enthusiastic, saying "I want to continue the effort to go professional."
Ajiki joined a club for the DeafBlind which was formed three years ago. When he learned the regional meeting would be held in the city last May, he thought of something he could do, and decided to challenge the drum which he had yearned .
He was afraid if he would be refused due to the disabilities when he visited the music studio. They told him, "No matter how much you can hear, you will certainly feel the sound by vibrations with the body."
The music score was copied onto the expansion. Ajiki received a lesson for 30 minutes three times every month with interpreting. He single-mindedly learnt how to interpret the music score and the meaning of the note first.
He had a hard time in how to take the rhythm. He was taught that three group notes were counted by tapping in sign language, and that the bass drum was hit with the first note.
At the regional meeting, Ajiki splendidly performed on stage. Big applause was given to him. His parents, friends and a lot of participants told him how much they were impressed with the wonderful performance.
Ajiki said, "I accomplished because I had the goal to play the drum on stage though I sometimes wanted to stop. You cannot make good music without any efforts." He will continue to practice hard to become a professional drummer in the future.
Source: Sannin Chuo Shinpo, Dec. 15, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.sanin-chuo.co.jp/news/modules/news/article.php?storyid=508592004
He is now enthusiastic, saying "I want to continue the effort to go professional."
Ajiki joined a club for the DeafBlind which was formed three years ago. When he learned the regional meeting would be held in the city last May, he thought of something he could do, and decided to challenge the drum which he had yearned .
He was afraid if he would be refused due to the disabilities when he visited the music studio. They told him, "No matter how much you can hear, you will certainly feel the sound by vibrations with the body."
The music score was copied onto the expansion. Ajiki received a lesson for 30 minutes three times every month with interpreting. He single-mindedly learnt how to interpret the music score and the meaning of the note first.
He had a hard time in how to take the rhythm. He was taught that three group notes were counted by tapping in sign language, and that the bass drum was hit with the first note.
At the regional meeting, Ajiki splendidly performed on stage. Big applause was given to him. His parents, friends and a lot of participants told him how much they were impressed with the wonderful performance.
Ajiki said, "I accomplished because I had the goal to play the drum on stage though I sometimes wanted to stop. You cannot make good music without any efforts." He will continue to practice hard to become a professional drummer in the future.
Source: Sannin Chuo Shinpo, Dec. 15, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.sanin-chuo.co.jp/
Friday, December 12, 2008
Deaf children enjoy the visit to Toyota Motor
About 40 Deaf children visited Toyota Motor in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture on December 10, 2008. They were from the 4th grade to the 6th grade of the schools for the Deaf located in Gifu and Mie Prefectures in the Tokai region in the central Japan.
Toyota Motor has accepted the children's visits as part of the social contribution activity every year since 1973.
Each child introduced himself/herself and shared the experience with drawing. They were offered a picture of a "Dream Car" with soap bubbles instead of the vehicle exhaust emission which was prepared beforehand for the event.
They enjoyed coloring with felt-tip pens actually that the designers of this company use, based on the rough sketch of a "Dream Car," with help from one of the designers. (see the photo on the link below)
The headmaster of the elementary department at the Gifu Prefecture School for the Deaf said that the children had been looking forward to the visit for one month. "It seemed that they were really happy, and I am glad about it."
After this activity, the Deaf children visited the assembly process such as Corolla at the Takaoka factory.
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 11, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/e-japan/aichi/news/20081210-OYT8T00974.htm
Toyota Motor has accepted the children's visits as part of the social contribution activity every year since 1973.
Each child introduced himself/herself and shared the experience with drawing. They were offered a picture of a "Dream Car" with soap bubbles instead of the vehicle exhaust emission which was prepared beforehand for the event.
They enjoyed coloring with felt-tip pens actually that the designers of this company use, based on the rough sketch of a "Dream Car," with help from one of the designers. (see the photo on the link below)
The headmaster of the elementary department at the Gifu Prefecture School for the Deaf said that the children had been looking forward to the visit for one month. "It seemed that they were really happy, and I am glad about it."
After this activity, the Deaf children visited the assembly process such as Corolla at the Takaoka factory.
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 11, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/e-
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A vlog earns high popularity in the Deaf community
A vlog titled "The Man on Monday" that the Shizuoka Prefecture Association of the Deaf runs as a part of its official site is very popular.
The website is:
http://szdi-center.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2008/12/323-2d39.html
There are topics on the left side.
Kozo Morisaki (46), the Deaf owner of a barbershop, introduces the work of every day and the communication with the family in the comic monologue style in JSL. (see the photo on the link below)
Even "The Man on Monday" fan club has been formed in Osaka Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture and others because "The comic monologue is interesting," "The vlog is a good material to learn JSL," etc.
Morisaki narrates in JSL for a few minutes in the vlog, updated weekly.
Here are examples; he did a haircut too much on the forelock of the female customer who slept; the wife tried to conceal the hole in a black trouser by painting black on the hole with the felt-tipped marker. The summary of each content is captioned.
The Association started up the official site in June, 2003. In order to get a person unfamiliar with sign language interested, the vlog that would offer a familiar topic in the sign language was planned in May, 2006.
Because he had a sense of humor and a charm in which every one would be attracted, Morisaki was requested appearance.
"The Man on Monday" was titled indicating the regular holiday of the barber shop. Morisaki said, "The knack of making the person laugh I use a lot of gesture, facial expressions and anything that conveys the message."
The vlog became known gradually by the rumor after having started on the official site, and the number of totaling accesses went up to 130,000 or more in over two years.
It also became so popular that Morisaki was asked to give a lecture at a local lecture meeting.
Morisaki has to give an anecdote every week. "I feel stressed if there is no material. When I make a story out from a piece of my family life, I will be scorned. Honestly it is hard and serious." He smiles wryly.
However, he got a lot of acquaintances across Japan through the vlog. He said, "Now this time is the happiest though I had have a difficult life. I want to tell all the people nationwide that there is such a happy moment to enjoy JSL, too."
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, Dec. 10, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://mainichi.jp/select/
The website is:
http://szdi-center.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2008/12/323-2d39.html
There are topics on the left side.
Kozo Morisaki (46), the Deaf owner of a barbershop, introduces the work of every day and the communication with the family in the comic monologue style in JSL. (see the photo on the link below)
Even "The Man on Monday" fan club has been formed in Osaka Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture and others because "The comic monologue is interesting," "The vlog is a good material to learn JSL," etc.
Morisaki narrates in JSL for a few minutes in the vlog, updated weekly.
Here are examples; he did a haircut too much on the forelock of the female customer who slept; the wife tried to conceal the hole in a black trouser by painting black on the hole with the felt-tipped marker. The summary of each content is captioned.
The Association started up the official site in June, 2003. In order to get a person unfamiliar with sign language interested, the vlog that would offer a familiar topic in the sign language was planned in May, 2006.
Because he had a sense of humor and a charm in which every one would be attracted, Morisaki was requested appearance.
"The Man on Monday" was titled indicating the regular holiday of the barber shop. Morisaki said, "The knack of making the person laugh I use a lot of gesture, facial expressions and anything that conveys the message."
The vlog became known gradually by the rumor after having started on the official site, and the number of totaling accesses went up to 130,000 or more in over two years.
It also became so popular that Morisaki was asked to give a lecture at a local lecture meeting.
Morisaki has to give an anecdote every week. "I feel stressed if there is no material. When I make a story out from a piece of my family life, I will be scorned. Honestly it is hard and serious." He smiles wryly.
However, he got a lot of acquaintances across Japan through the vlog. He said, "Now this time is the happiest though I had have a difficult life. I want to tell all the people nationwide that there is such a happy moment to enjoy JSL, too."
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, Dec. 10, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://mainichi.jp/select/
Deaf professional baseball player visits Deaf school and encourages the students
Yuya Ishii (27), a professional pitcher of the Yokohama baseball team, visited the school for the deaf in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture next to Tokyo.
At the lecture meeting, he told ten Deaf students about his own experience that he had become a professional baseball player while unable to hear since his birth.
When he started to play baseball in the elementary school, he was happy though communications might not have been effective enough. "I practiced desperately for the dream of becoming professional."
Ishi encouraged those students who wanted to become a baseball player like him, "Never forget that you want to be good. Never give up the dream".
See the past posting on Ishi:
http://deafjapan.blogspot.com/2008/12/deaf-professional-baseball-player-vows.html
Source: Sports Nippon, Dec. 10, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/flash/KFullFlash20081210049.html
At the lecture meeting, he told ten Deaf students about his own experience that he had become a professional baseball player while unable to hear since his birth.
When he started to play baseball in the elementary school, he was happy though communications might not have been effective enough. "I practiced desperately for the dream of becoming professional."
Ishi encouraged those students who wanted to become a baseball player like him, "Never forget that you want to be good. Never give up the dream".
See the past posting on Ishi:
http://deafjapan.blogspot.com/2008/12/deaf-professional-baseball-player-vows.html
Source: Sports Nippon, Dec. 10, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Deaf marathon runner resulted in highest record for the Deaf in Japan
Koichiro Yamanaka, a 27-year-old Deaf man from Tokyo, achieved the highest record as a Deaf runner in full length marathon in Japan. He is a member of the Atomi Club.
The prestige 62nd Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championships was held in Fukuoka Prefecture on December 7, 2008. This was also a trial to select the fasted Japanesse runners for the 12th World Championship.
The participants including the runners from around the world competed. As the result, Yamanaka was placed at 65th by the record of 2:28:00.
Source:
http://www.fukuoka-marathon.com/en/index.html (English version)
/Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 8, 2008
The prestige 62nd Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championships was held in Fukuoka Prefecture on December 7, 2008. This was also a trial to select the fasted Japanesse runners for the 12th World Championship.
The participants including the runners from around the world competed. As the result, Yamanaka was placed at 65th by the record of 2:28:00.
Source:
http://www.fukuoka-marathon.com/en/index.html (English version)
/Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 8, 2008
Services by Hearing dogs for the Deaf start next January in Hyogo Prefecture
A social welfare group, called "The Hearing Dogs Society," located in Nagano Prefecture is involved in the promotion of hearing dogs that help the life of Deaf individuals.
This society established the Kansai Branch in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture next to Osaka. On January 12, 2008, it will start the counseling service related to the hearing dog and recruits volunteers, etc. once a month.
The society has loaned a hearing dog, named Iko, for the first time to Yori Fukui (76) who lives in Amagasaki City in the prefecture. (see the photo on the link below)
The spokesperson of the society said, "We will train dog's promotion volunteers, and increase more hearing dogs for the Deaf in the future." Currently 18 hearing dogs are serving the Deaf nationwide according to the society.
Koi is a Shih Tzu dog, estimated to be 5 years old. She has been trained since October, 2007, and was recognized as a trained hearing dog for the Deaf. She has lived with Fukui since March 2008.
With the help from Iko, Fukui is now able to go out, takes the train, and dines out. She said, "I really enjoy being together with Iko. When she told me that the door signal rung for the first time, I was very happy."
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 9, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://osaka.yomiuri.co.jp/volunteer/news/vo81209a.htm
This society established the Kansai Branch in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture next to Osaka. On January 12, 2008, it will start the counseling service related to the hearing dog and recruits volunteers, etc. once a month.
The society has loaned a hearing dog, named Iko, for the first time to Yori Fukui (76) who lives in Amagasaki City in the prefecture. (see the photo on the link below)
The spokesperson of the society said, "We will train dog's promotion volunteers, and increase more hearing dogs for the Deaf in the future." Currently 18 hearing dogs are serving the Deaf nationwide according to the society.
Koi is a Shih Tzu dog, estimated to be 5 years old. She has been trained since October, 2007, and was recognized as a trained hearing dog for the Deaf. She has lived with Fukui since March 2008.
With the help from Iko, Fukui is now able to go out, takes the train, and dines out. She said, "I really enjoy being together with Iko. When she told me that the door signal rung for the first time, I was very happy."
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 9, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://osaka.yomiuri.co.jp/
Monday, December 8, 2008
Former high school Deaf baseball teammates relate experience how they overcame discrimination
There was a school for the deaf, called the Fukui Prefecture School for the Deaf, in Fukui City.
In the summer of 1974, the school's baseball team won the prefecture rubber-ball baseball game. But they were told that because of being Deaf, they were not possible to play in the Hokushinetsu Game, one of the regional games, which would lead to the National Rubber-ball Baseball Games for High Schools if they won.
However, the team's zeal moved the High School Baseball League, and got the chance to participate in the national baseball game at the end.
The panel discussion was held in Fukui City on November 6, 2008, sponsored by the Fukui Prefecture Welfare Society of the Deaf. About 150 Deaf and hearing people gathered. (see the photo on the link below)
After a documentary film taken at that time had been shown, the panel discussion was held. The former members of the Deaf baseball team related their experience at that time.
Nobuhiko Fukushima, who was an ace and the captain, explained how he reacted when he knew that his team was not allowed to play the baseball at a national level. He was angry and felt discriminated in spite of that all people are the same human beings.
Shinichiro Hamada who was the shortstop said that still he never gave up and focused on the practice because "I loved baseball so much that I had dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player."
Currently Hamada works as a ceramic artist, and Fukushima is a lacqering master. They say, "The hardship we had faced at that time had been got over afterwards."
Akihiro Yonaiyama, a professional Deaf actor from the Japanese Theater of the Deaf, who served as the coordinator at the panel discussion, commented that the Deaf team worked so hard that it became a legacy: to review the regulation on participation limitation for a school serving children with disabilities in Japan.
The audience in the hall sent the generous applause to the effort that the former baseball team members who had kept chasing "a white ball" to the utmost.
Source: Chunichi Shimbun, Dec. 7, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.chunichi.co.jp/kenmin-fukui/article/kenmin-news/CK2008120702000171.html
In the summer of 1974, the school's baseball team won the prefecture rubber-ball baseball game. But they were told that because of being Deaf, they were not possible to play in the Hokushinetsu Game, one of the regional games, which would lead to the National Rubber-ball Baseball Games for High Schools if they won.
However, the team's zeal moved the High School Baseball League, and got the chance to participate in the national baseball game at the end.
The panel discussion was held in Fukui City on November 6, 2008, sponsored by the Fukui Prefecture Welfare Society of the Deaf. About 150 Deaf and hearing people gathered. (see the photo on the link below)
After a documentary film taken at that time had been shown, the panel discussion was held. The former members of the Deaf baseball team related their experience at that time.
Nobuhiko Fukushima, who was an ace and the captain, explained how he reacted when he knew that his team was not allowed to play the baseball at a national level. He was angry and felt discriminated in spite of that all people are the same human beings.
Shinichiro Hamada who was the shortstop said that still he never gave up and focused on the practice because "I loved baseball so much that I had dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player."
Currently Hamada works as a ceramic artist, and Fukushima is a lacqering master. They say, "The hardship we had faced at that time had been got over afterwards."
Akihiro Yonaiyama, a professional Deaf actor from the Japanese Theater of the Deaf, who served as the coordinator at the panel discussion, commented that the Deaf team worked so hard that it became a legacy: to review the regulation on participation limitation for a school serving children with disabilities in Japan.
The audience in the hall sent the generous applause to the effort that the former baseball team members who had kept chasing "a white ball" to the utmost.
Source: Chunichi Shimbun, Dec. 7, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.chunichi.co.jp/
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Deaf professional magician as a roll model for Deaf kids
A professional magician, named Magic Toshima, freely manipulates red and blue strings in front of ten fifth graders at the Otsuka Metropolitan School for the Deaf in Tokyo. The children, amazed, talk to the next peer in sign language at once when all the strings which were apart away are connected in the circle.
Toshima's real name is Norihiro Toshima who is born deaf. When he was a second grader, he saw a magic show for the first time and loved it instantly.
He went to Tokyo to learn magic after he graduated from the Kagoshima School for the Deaf in a southern part of Japan. He attended the magician class for three years while doing the newspaper delivery, etc. Toshima was the only Deaf student in the class.
The interpreter did not understand the technical terms used in the magic world, so Toshima studied the manual of magic tools and learned the techniques from the performances of his teacher. He became a professional magician in 2000, and currently performs for the show, instructs Deaf students, etc.
Because he uses sign language during the show, heavy tools are put on the table. There is no sense of incompatibility though this is a point which is different from the hearing magician.
Deaf persons, who are not good at spoken conversations and karaoke, tend to become alienated in a gathering place. However, if the magic show were performed, all the people including the Deaf persons will enjoy it together. Toshima says, "Magic is a useful method to help the Deaf and hearing persons share the feelings and communication."
He understands why Deaf children feel irritated and uneasy because he himself has the same disability. "I want the Deaf kids to have something more what he likes, and to foster self-confidence. I hope they will never give their dream up and make use of it for work." With such a desire, Toshima travels around in the country to perform a magic show.
Akira Yokkaichi, a professor of the University of Tsukuba and the principal of the Special Support School for the Deaf under the arm of the University, said "It is good that Deaf children see the Deaf adults active in professions despite of the disability, as their role model. It will give them a chance to learn more to prepare for the future."
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, Dec. 4, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://mainichi.jp/life/health/fukushi/news/20081204ddm013100169000c.html
Toshima's real name is Norihiro Toshima who is born deaf. When he was a second grader, he saw a magic show for the first time and loved it instantly.
He went to Tokyo to learn magic after he graduated from the Kagoshima School for the Deaf in a southern part of Japan. He attended the magician class for three years while doing the newspaper delivery, etc. Toshima was the only Deaf student in the class.
The interpreter did not understand the technical terms used in the magic world, so Toshima studied the manual of magic tools and learned the techniques from the performances of his teacher. He became a professional magician in 2000, and currently performs for the show, instructs Deaf students, etc.
Because he uses sign language during the show, heavy tools are put on the table. There is no sense of incompatibility though this is a point which is different from the hearing magician.
Deaf persons, who are not good at spoken conversations and karaoke, tend to become alienated in a gathering place. However, if the magic show were performed, all the people including the Deaf persons will enjoy it together. Toshima says, "Magic is a useful method to help the Deaf and hearing persons share the feelings and communication."
He understands why Deaf children feel irritated and uneasy because he himself has the same disability. "I want the Deaf kids to have something more what he likes, and to foster self-confidence. I hope they will never give their dream up and make use of it for work." With such a desire, Toshima travels around in the country to perform a magic show.
Akira Yokkaichi, a professor of the University of Tsukuba and the principal of the Special Support School for the Deaf under the arm of the University, said "It is good that Deaf children see the Deaf adults active in professions despite of the disability, as their role model. It will give them a chance to learn more to prepare for the future."
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, Dec. 4, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://mainichi.jp/life/
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Osaka mayor hospitalized for "sudden deafness
On December 4, Mayor Kunio Hiramatsu (60) in Osaka City said that he was diagnosed as "sudden deafness." He is unable to hear with an ear.
Hiramatsu will be hospitalized in Osaka Prefecture for four days until December 7, 2008 because of the rest and treatment. He has canceled official duties. The cause is uncertain, and the treatment method has not been identified for this disease either.
It was early November, according to Hiramatsu, when the symptom appeared first. His right ear suddenly lost hearing and he received the examination in the hospital and the administering treatment occasionally. The high fever of about 39 ゜C caused by the side effect of the medicine, and he did not feel well. If he doesn't pick up, he says, he will test new treatment while being hospitalized.
The sudden deafness is one of the specified diseases that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare specifies. The ministry research group found out through the investigation in 2001 that there are 35,000 patients a year who receive treatment across country due to this disease.
A popular singer Ayumi Hamasaki became a sudden deafness in January, 2007, having made it public got into the news.
Source： Sankei Shimbun Dec. 4, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/local/081204/lcl0812042040005-n1.htm
Hiramatsu will be hospitalized in Osaka Prefecture for four days until December 7, 2008 because of the rest and treatment. He has canceled official duties. The cause is uncertain, and the treatment method has not been identified for this disease either.
It was early November, according to Hiramatsu, when the symptom appeared first. His right ear suddenly lost hearing and he received the examination in the hospital and the administering treatment occasionally. The high fever of about 39 ゜C caused by the side effect of the medicine, and he did not feel well. If he doesn't pick up, he says, he will test new treatment while being hospitalized.
The sudden deafness is one of the specified diseases that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare specifies. The ministry research group found out through the investigation in 2001 that there are 35,000 patients a year who receive treatment across country due to this disease.
A popular singer Ayumi Hamasaki became a sudden deafness in January, 2007, having made it public got into the news.
Source： Sankei Shimbun Dec. 4, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/
Deaf professional baseball player vows to continue to play
Yuya Ishii (27), a professional pitcher of the Yokohama baseball team vowed that he would play again as a new patron saint.
He had the contract renewal and won the yearly pay valued 30 million yen in total, added by 13 million yen, on December 4, 2008.
He says, "I was asked to be the stopper by my coach Sugimoto at the autumn camp. I have feelings that I want to do it."
Ishii was transferred from the Chunichi baseball team by the trading in June, and played the 35 games, the largest number that he has ever played for the Yokohama baseball team. He made the highest result in earned run average 2.38 in the fourth year.
Ishii was born hard of hearing and attended a mainstream program. He was a baseball team member through the school years. He plans to shortly visit the special support school in Yokosuka where the deaf children attend.
He laughed with a smile after he said, "If the kids see me as their role model, I would be very delighted."
Source: Nikkan Sports, Dec. 4, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/professional/koukai/2009/news/p-bb-tp1-20081204-436543.html
He had the contract renewal and won the yearly pay valued 30 million yen in total, added by 13 million yen, on December 4, 2008.
He says, "I was asked to be the stopper by my coach Sugimoto at the autumn camp. I have feelings that I want to do it."
Ishii was transferred from the Chunichi baseball team by the trading in June, and played the 35 games, the largest number that he has ever played for the Yokohama baseball team. He made the highest result in earned run average 2.38 in the fourth year.
Ishii was born hard of hearing and attended a mainstream program. He was a baseball team member through the school years. He plans to shortly visit the special support school in Yokosuka where the deaf children attend.
He laughed with a smile after he said, "If the kids see me as their role model, I would be very delighted."
Source: Nikkan Sports, Dec. 4, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.nikkansports.com/
Deaf American won 5th place at the Japanese Speech Contest in San Francisco
The Japanese Speech Contest for the Americans was held in San Francisco on November 2, 2008. This contest was an event that continued for 35 years, and a person with hearing loss participated this year for the first time.
The person is Matthew Fido (27), a student at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has studied Japanese since six years ago.
He lose hearing when he was 15 months old because of meningitis. He had cochlea implanted when he was two years old, and his hearing ability much improved. However, the ability of discriminating sounds and speech are not the same as the hearing person.
At the speech contest, Fido said "Long before when people around me laughed at jokes I pretended to hear and laugh with them."
"One time I realized that I would be deaf forever. Ever since I determined to accept myself as a deaf person and live by this."
Fido said he wanted to get a job that helps the Deaf around the world, and appealed, "I want this speech contest will be the first step for me." He accomplished the fifth place winning a prize.
While other contestants fluently spoke Japanese, Fido was the one whom the audience gave thunderous applause.
Source: Tokyo Shimbun, Dec. 2, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/world/worldtown/CK2008120202000230.html
The person is Matthew Fido (27), a student at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has studied Japanese since six years ago.
He lose hearing when he was 15 months old because of meningitis. He had cochlea implanted when he was two years old, and his hearing ability much improved. However, the ability of discriminating sounds and speech are not the same as the hearing person.
At the speech contest, Fido said "Long before when people around me laughed at jokes I pretended to hear and laugh with them."
"One time I realized that I would be deaf forever. Ever since I determined to accept myself as a deaf person and live by this."
Fido said he wanted to get a job that helps the Deaf around the world, and appealed, "I want this speech contest will be the first step for me." He accomplished the fifth place winning a prize.
While other contestants fluently spoke Japanese, Fido was the one whom the audience gave thunderous applause.
Source: Tokyo Shimbun, Dec. 2, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Lecture meetings planned for Anday Vasnick in Japan
Anday Vasnick, one of the founding members of the National Theater of the Deaf in the United States and a well known American Deaf actor himself, is coming to Japan.
With a BA in literature from Gallaudet University and an MA in education from Pennsylvania University, he had been teaching English literature and the play for ten years at Gallaudet University.
Vasnick came to Japan as a lecturer at the "Seminar on Theatrical Activities for the Deaf in Japan" in 1981, and made the foundation in the Deaf theatrical field in Japan. He is appearing on not only the stage but also the television and the movie, etc.
The lecture meeting with Vasnick will be held by the following schedules.
1) 'Why is Japanese Sign Language beautiful?'
Date: 10 and 12, December, 2008, Wednesday and Friday, 19:00 21:00
You can come on both the days or either of them.
Admission: 500 yen per one day
Place: Totto Cultural Center (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)
http://www.totto.or.jp/jtdtop.html (Japanese)
contact: Jtd@japan.email.ne.jp.
2) The 1st international exchange and culture lecture meeting
Date: December 14, 2008, Sunday, 13:30-15:00
Place: Nagoya City
Sponsor: Nagoya City Society of the Hearing and Speech Impaired
Flyer:
http://www.deaf.or.jp/news/200812/20081213.pdf (Japanese)
With a BA in literature from Gallaudet University and an MA in education from Pennsylvania University, he had been teaching English literature and the play for ten years at Gallaudet University.
Vasnick came to Japan as a lecturer at the "Seminar on Theatrical Activities for the Deaf in Japan" in 1981, and made the foundation in the Deaf theatrical field in Japan. He is appearing on not only the stage but also the television and the movie, etc.
The lecture meeting with Vasnick will be held by the following schedules.
1) 'Why is Japanese Sign Language beautiful?'
Date: 10 and 12, December, 2008, Wednesday and Friday, 19:00 21:00
You can come on both the days or either of them.
Admission: 500 yen per one day
Place: Totto Cultural Center (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)
http://www.totto.or.jp/jtdtop.html (Japanese)
contact: Jtd@japan.email.ne.jp.
2) The 1st international exchange and culture lecture meeting
Date: December 14, 2008, Sunday, 13:30-15:00
Place: Nagoya City
Sponsor: Nagoya City Society of the Hearing and Speech Impaired
Flyer:
http://www.deaf.or.jp/news/200812/20081213.pdf (Japanese)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Academic investigation on disaster information for the Deaf
It rained heavily in torrents, which Japanese people call "Guerrilla downpour," that came one after another in the whole country this summer.
The Japan Society for Disaster Information Studies will study concerning how the communication was taken in the emergency situation in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture.
The Society's investigation committee on the heavy rain conducted the investigation in Kanazawa City on November 25-27, 2008, followed by the last one on October. This time, the method of communication for the vulnerable people will be verified through the investigation for the Deaf and hard of hearing persons.
The information offered to the local residents on an emergency evacuation area or route is transmitted through TV, a disaster prevention administrative wireless, and the check by the fire fighting group, etc. The Deaf and hard of hearing persons have no access to any of such, unaware of the looming crisis.
Even though the text message is sent to the Deaf as a method of the visual communication, some of them gets puzzled with unfamiliar written words such as "Evacuation Order." It is necessary to tell them plainly with words easily understood.
According to an expert of the Society, as Asano River in Kanazawa City flooded the area due to the downpour disaster at the end of July, city officials sent the document to the Deaf and hard of hearing persons by fax, which was written, "Take shelter to the second floor if water is deep near your house," etc.
The investigation committee plans to verify "whether the communication was appropriately offered or not?" and "was persons with disabilities able to take the evacuation activity?", etc. based on the result of the investigation to the Deaf and hard of hearing persons.
The reports will be put together by next March based on the investigation conducted in Okazai City and Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture against further disasters.
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 25, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/e-japan/ishikawa/news/20081125-OYT8T00042.htm
The Japan Society for Disaster Information Studies will study concerning how the communication was taken in the emergency situation in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture.
The Society's investigation committee on the heavy rain conducted the investigation in Kanazawa City on November 25-27, 2008, followed by the last one on October. This time, the method of communication for the vulnerable people will be verified through the investigation for the Deaf and hard of hearing persons.
The information offered to the local residents on an emergency evacuation area or route is transmitted through TV, a disaster prevention administrative wireless, and the check by the fire fighting group, etc. The Deaf and hard of hearing persons have no access to any of such, unaware of the looming crisis.
Even though the text message is sent to the Deaf as a method of the visual communication, some of them gets puzzled with unfamiliar written words such as "Evacuation Order." It is necessary to tell them plainly with words easily understood.
According to an expert of the Society, as Asano River in Kanazawa City flooded the area due to the downpour disaster at the end of July, city officials sent the document to the Deaf and hard of hearing persons by fax, which was written, "Take shelter to the second floor if water is deep near your house," etc.
The investigation committee plans to verify "whether the communication was appropriately offered or not?" and "was persons with disabilities able to take the evacuation activity?", etc. based on the result of the investigation to the Deaf and hard of hearing persons.
The reports will be put together by next March based on the investigation conducted in Okazai City and Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture against further disasters.
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 25, 2008
Japanese edition:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/e-
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