In 2025, the first Tokyo International Deaf Arts Festival with the theme “City of Sign Language” will finally be held. Co-hosted with Suginami City and centered at ZA-KOENJI, the arts festival is an international stage for Deaf arts and culture broadcasting from Suginami City, Tokyo. It aims to foster new connections and creative exchanges between artists from Japan and overseas, as well as create new bonds and encounters between local communities and art, as well Deaf/Hard of Hearing and hearing communities.

This year, a diverse range of works spanning theatre, performances, film, and more have been gathered from both Japan and abroad. Each work is sure to bring new perspectives to participants and audiences. The art which flourishes from Deaf bodies and senses, as well as the perspectives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and sign language from a hearing person’s point of view—these angles will surely reveal new outlooks on these concepts to all visitors.

When we first conceived this project, our concern was whether Suginami City would accept this arts festival. Our worries were proved unfounded—through multiple experiences, we realized that “it is Suginami City’s culture to embrace new cultures”. We were deeply moved by the generosity of Suginami City and the warm welcome extended by so many people to TIDAF. More than that, we were moved by the insistence of many who told us that “we should not let the art festival conclude here—we need to make sure that sign language takes root in Suginami City”.

In conjunction with the festival, we are launching the new initiative “Sign Language Card Rally”, involving the Koenji Shopping Street from October 15 to November 30. This project invites customers shopping in the district to collect cards featuring illustrations from Jaycob Campbell, an Australian Deaf artist who designed the festival’s key visuals, and accompanying sign language videos. During the festival period, we have also planned numerous free satellite events where anybody can drop in and experience “Deaf culture”.

This November, the same month as the Tokyo Deaflympics, for four days Suginami City will become the “City of Sign Language”. I’m very excited to see what kind of chemical reactions the festival will set off. Let’s all work together to make this festival a resounding success!

The symbolic key visual for 2025 builds upon the Tokyo International Deaf Arts Festival logo and was created by Jaycob Campbell, a Deaf visual artist based in Australia. The dynamic "hand" form is brought to life by the fusion of vibrant pink and contrasting turquoise blue. In November 2025, this "hand" will spread throughout the streets of Koenji.

Thank you so much for having me as part of TIDAF. I was really inspired by the colors and vibe. I even learned a bit of JSL. Looking forward to visiting Japan soon and sharing more of my work.　

Jaycob Campbell (Gonketa) is a Deaf visual artist from Australia, based in Naarm (Melbourne). His work focuses on the "movement" and "form" created by hands and gestures, exploring the importance of visual communication through bold, vibrant colors and exaggerated expressions. His mission through art is to support self-determination for Australian Sign Language users and the Deaf community, leaving behind a living legacy and cultural heritage, conveying the message to society that "we are always here."