Crown Prince, princess attend national congress for the deaf in Hiroshima

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:03 JST, June 13, 2022

HIROSHIMA — Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended the 70th National Congress of the Deaf in Hiroshima on Sunday.

About 2,000 people attended the annual event for the deaf and hard of hearing, including people with hearing disabilities and those working for welfare services.

“I hope this event will be a good opportunity to promote public understanding of sign language and encourage an environment in which people can freely communicate with each other,” the crown prince said in his address, which he also conveyed in sign language.

The event continued with the commendation of groups and individuals who have contributed to social welfare and education for people with hearing disabilities.

The crown prince and princess flew back to Tokyo on Sunday afternoon from Hiroshima Airport.