Here’s why I decided to learn JSL (Japanese Sign Language)

Here’s why I decided to learn JSL (Japanese Sign Language)

It was back in 2022 during an event at a café-restaurant called ‘YOUR BIG FAMILY’ in Higashikurume. The event was part of Children’s Day celebrations during Golden Week.

The event was to create a piece of art using colored water made from wildflowers along the river. We sprayed the colored water, used handprints, and let everyone freely create whatever they wanted.

Among the children participating in the event was a boy who was deaf. At that time, I didn’t know any sign language—not even how to say “hello” or “thank you.” I could only communicate with him through writing, which I felt very sorry for him.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　↓The event back then ↓

Since it was my first time organizing an event, I wasn’t used to handling everything.

Despite that, he seemed to enjoy himself and even helped with the cleanup until the very end.

I thought that if I knew more sign language, I could have made him smile even more.

That day, I realized I wanted to create an environment where the communication barriers were reduced to lessen the burden and inconvenience for everyone and to provide a safe space.

I believe that sign language can be a tool to deepen connections between people.

Right now, I can only do finger alphabet (指文字) and simple greetings, but I’m determined to gradually learn more JSL (Japanese Sign Language) expressions!