2025 Tokyo Deaflympics helped raise awareness, but challenges remain, survey finds
While the event was significant for working toward an inclusive society, the survey also highlighted issues remaining after it was done.
The 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics boosted public awareness of the event, according to a survey by the Yamaha Motor Foundation for Sports. Before the competition, 24.3% of respondents aged 20 and over were aware of the Deaflympics, which rose to 55.4% after the event in November 2025. In Tokyo, recognition jumped to 72.4% from 33.3% pre-tournament.
Rina Komokata, a gold medalist in tennis doubles and bronze medallist in singles, noted a noticeable increase in spectators at the event. However, the survey also revealed lingering issues. The proportion of people believing bias against those with hearing loss had decreased, falling to 40.8% from 45.7% pre-event. Interest in learning sign language and playing sports with hearing-impaired individuals also declined.
Tokyo's hosting of the Deaflympics was seen as a positive step, but professor Mayumi Saito from the University of Tsukuba emphasized that it hasn't significantly altered public attitudes due to the event's lack of competitiveness. Komokata called for continued efforts to promote deaf sports and foster understanding of hearing loss, suggesting more opportunities for athletes with disabilities to inspire the public.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
