SoftBank Corp. Sponsoring and Supporting Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics with Accessibility Technology

From November 15-26, 2025, the "25th Summer Deaflympics Tokyo 2025" (Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics) will take place. The sporting event sees elite deaf athletes from all over the world competing every four years. As a Total Support Member, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) is sponsoring the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, and providing accessibility technology and services.

On August 7, 2025, a "100-days-to-go" ceremony was held in Tokyo, Setagaya Ward, and attended by the Governor of Tokyo and other dignitaries. As part of the event, SoftBank showcased its initiatives for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

SoftBank booth showcases accessibility technology

In addition to the on-stage program, the event featured interactive areas where people could learn more about the Deaflympics and the hearing impaired. Visitors were able to try out deaf sports and communicate with staff at booths in sign language.

SoftBank is taking initiatives to support people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and at the venue, booths were set up where visitors could experience some of its accessibility technologies and services, such as sign language classes, "SureTalk"-a communication platform that converts sign language and speech into text while using AI to continuously improve-and remote-based sign language customer service.

At the SureTalk booth, participants learned simple signs and challenged themselves to ensure their messages were conveyed accurately.

SoftBank's portable smartphone classroom was also showcased at the venue. The vehicle was connected to the 'SoftBank' Shibuya store, which has staff that can provide sign language support. Visitors were able to ask a questions about mobile phone services using sign language in real time.

Remote sign language customer service is now being used at 'SoftBank' brand stores, making it possible for customers with hearing impairments to use mobile phones with comfort.

Japan national team member and SoftBank employee makes special appearance

Kota Tanaka, a SoftBank employee scheduled to compete in the Cycling Road* event at the upcoming Tokyo Deaflympics, also made an appearance at the event. He explained the sport, showing his road bike and the shoes he will use in the competition. He also talked about his daily routine and how he got into cycling.

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  In this event, athletes use special lightweight road bikes to cover a designated distance along paved roads. They compete by placement, or the time it took to reach the goal.

"Held every four years, the Deaflympics is extra special this time because it will take place in Japan. Naturally, my goal is to win the gold medal, so I'm determined to give it my all," Tanaka said.

(Posted on September 5, 2025)
by SoftBank News Editors