Princess Kiko and Princess Kako of Japan used sign language to communicate with deaf trainees from Kyrgyzstan on June 13, 2024 [1].
The visit highlights Japan's efforts to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities and foster international cooperation through specialized communication technology.
The interaction took place in the lecture hall of Tsukuba University of Technology in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture [2]. The Kyrgyzstan trainees are currently visiting Japan to study Japanese knowledge and communication technology [2]. Following a series of presentations by the trainees, the princesses exchanged greetings and engaged in conversations using sign language [1, 2].
Princess Kiko and Princess Kako attended the event to learn about Kyrgyz culture and the trainees' social participation [2]. The engagement served as a platform to observe how communication tools can bridge gaps between different nationalities and abilities, a core focus of the university's technical curriculum.
During the exchange, Princess Kako asked the trainees, "いろんな活動の中で大事にされていることはなんですか?" which translates to "What is the most important thing you value in your various activities?" [3]
The trainees shared their experiences and goals while studying in Japan, emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing their professional and social integration. The princesses said they support the trainees' endeavors to bring Japanese technical expertise back to Kyrgyzstan [2].
“Princess Kiko and Princess Kako of Japan used sign language to communicate with deaf trainees from Kyrgyzstan.”
This interaction underscores the Japanese Imperial Family's role in diplomatic soft power and social advocacy. By engaging with deaf trainees from Central Asia, the princesses are signaling Japan's commitment to accessibility and its position as a provider of inclusive technology on the global stage.
