Okinawa International Sign Language Festival Sep 19, 2026 at Okinawa Convention Center

The Okinawa International Sign Language Festival will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Okinawa Convention Center Exhibition Hall in Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa.

This event, themed "Connecting the World Through Sign Language," aims to be a new historical milestone experienced through the five senses. It is notable as Japan's first participatory event, challenging a world record, and is collaboratively produced by Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals.

A Three-Act Story Delivered Through the Five Senses

The festival is structured in three acts, aiming to achieve a world record for the moment when every audience member participates in a sign language chorus, connecting the world as one through sign language.

Act 1: Challenging a World Record with Music and Sign Language

The event will attempt to set a world record for "Simultaneous Sign Language Performance," an unprecedented challenge. With a world record adjudicator present, participants will learn and perform "Wings of Hope," co-created by 8 hearing and 8 Deaf individuals. This moment, combining music, sign language, and the world record attempt, will be a shared historical creation from Okinawa, with the entire audience becoming participants.

Act 2: The Person Standing Between the World of Silence and the World of Sound

A dancer with a lifelong hearing impairment will share their experiences of connecting with the world through dance. Despite not hearing music, they have learned to feel rhythm through vibrations and the movements of others, expressing themselves with their entire body. This unique dance style, "art that can only be created by the hearing impaired," fuses sign language, jazz, and gestures.

Act 3: Music Becomes Sign Language. Sign Language Becomes Music.

Leading artists from Japan's music scene will encounter sign language. Driven by the same impulse to connect, they will express their awareness of those who cannot be reached. The moment when hearing and Deaf individuals stand on the same stage to complete a song together will be a scene etched into Japanese music history. Special guest artists, including MINMI, Sango, Hālau Hula ʻO Lehuamakanoe, and high school dancers, will perform, breathing new life into legendary songs with sign language.

Related Projects and Event Information

On the day of the event, related projects such as the "Okinawa Kanasah Hanabi (Tropical Beach)" fireworks display, a drone and laser show, and the "Okinawa Kanasah Eisa Oto Matsuri (Multipurpose Plaza)" festival will take place around the venue, further enhancing the event's impact.

Event Details

• Event Name: Okinawa International Sign Language Festival
• Venue: Okinawa Convention Center Exhibition Hall (4-3-1 Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa)
• Date: September 19, 2026 (Saturday)
• Time: Doors Open 14:00 / Start 15:00 / End 17:00 (scheduled)
• Organizer: General Incorporated Association Japan Sign Language Culture Association

Notes for Attendees

Time Change: The opening and start times have been changed from the original schedule. Please check the latest information.

Parking: Due to additional events being held on the same day, venue parking will not be available. Public transportation or drop-off by family/friends is recommended. Detailed venue access information will be provided on a dedicated page after ticket purchase.

Other: Those wishing to reserve wheelchair or sign language interpretation seats must contact via the inquiry form. The event is held rain or shine, but may be canceled in case of severe weather. Before attending, please check the official website for the latest ticket information, availability of same-day tickets, and any restrictions on items that can be brought in.

Access: The venue is accessible by bus or taxi from Yui Rail Kenchomae Station or Makishi Station. The venue address is 4-3-1 Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa.