How will the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, the first-ever Deaflympics to be held in Japan, impact Japanese society? Despite Japan’s participation in the Deaflympics for over half a century, public awareness remains as low as 16%. Deaflympic athletes in Japan seek to enhance recognition of the event. To examine the factors contributing to the low awareness of sports activities among Deaf/hard of hearing individuals in Japan, this study provides an overview of the current state and challenges, incorporating historical perspectives, and explores the present status of deaf sport.
The findings indicate that sports activities for Deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals in Japan are actively conducted not only within schools for the deaf and Deaf communities but also in integrated environments. These diverse forms of participation suggest the existence of a uniquely Japanese concept of “deaf sport,” characterized by flexible connections with the Deaf community.
Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model, abbreviated as ICF, and the Foundations, Talent, Elite and Mastery framework, known as FTEM, this study visualized the barriers faced by Deaf and hard of hearing athletes at different stages of their athlete pathway. The process toward becoming a top athlete involves five stages: indifference, desire to compete, struggle, integration, and establishment. Barriers such as limited opportunities and access to specialized coaching were identified, highlighting the need to raise awareness of the invisible barriers experienced by these athletes.
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