September 10 2022

At the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) Congress held on September 10th (10th JST), it was decided to hold the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.

In response to this decision, the Governor has made the following comments.

Governor Koike’s comments

I am delighted by the decision to have the 2025 Deaflympics held here in Tokyo. This will be the first time for the Deaflympics—both summer and winter—to be held in Tokyo or anywhere else in Japan. In addition, the 2025 Deaflympics will be a very commemorative event as it will mark the 100th anniversary of the Deaflympics.

The Deaflympics is an international multi-sport event for deaf athletes. I am convinced that the vibrant performances of the athletes will deepen understanding of deaf people and deaf culture, and boost interaction between individuals. And, the holding of the Deaflympics will further promote Para sports, and generate opportunities for everyone to enjoy sports regardless of whether they have a disability or not. I am sure that it will also lead to the creation of a society where digital technology enables smooth communication with anyone.

For the 2025 Deaflympics to be held in Tokyo, which hosted the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games twice, will allow us to make a more powerful statement to the world on the importance of diversity. So that this event will greatly contribute to the realization of an inclusive society, Tokyo will work closely together with all the stakeholders for its success.

Let’s all cheer on the 2025 Deaflympics.