In Part II, a special stage was set up in the Main Hall of Yasuda Auditorium, featuring a performance of Sign Language Kyogen (performed by the Japanese Theatre of the Deaf), affiliated with the Social Welfare Corporation, The Totto Foundation. This was followed by the IncluDE Special Discussion.
The session began with a video message from KUROYANAGI Tetsuko, President of The Totto Foundation.
Following the message, MIYAKE Chikashige, a Nōgaku performer who provides Kyōgen instruction and performances for the Japanese Theatre of the Deaf, introduced the piece “Rokujizō” (Six Jizō) before the audience watched the performance. The auditorium was filled with laughter thanks to the expressive sign language performance and the performer’s vocalization. The harmony between sign language and voice captivated the audience.
Afterward, a workshop was held by MIYAKE Chikashige and EZOE Satoshi, where the audience learned about the “mechanism of Sign Language Kyōgen.” Many nodded in agreement when Mr. Miyake said, “The only way to harmonize sign language and voice is through practice.”
Finally, a discussion was held, moderated by ANDO Asuka, Assistant Professor in the Office for DEI Coproduction Strategies, featuring ITO Takane (Director of IncluDE), KUMAGAYA Shinichiro (Vice Director of IncluDE), Mr. Miyake, and Mr. Ezoe. They discussed not only creating an art form that transcends the boundary between hearing and non-hearing people, but also efforts to make works enjoyable for people with diverse attributes. A “tactile Kyōgen model” was introduced to allow visually impaired and deaf-blind individuals to experience the performance.
The tactile model was displayed in the lobby. Visually impaired participants shared that by touching the model, they were able to understand more about Sign Language Kyōgen, beyond just sound.
Vice Director KUMAGAYA Shinichiro introduced research from his lab on the “Visualization of Casual Conversation.” Director ITO Takane, who is also a linguist, spoke about differences between sign language and spoken language (e.g., spoken language is linear, while sign language is spatial). He was also involved in launching the Japanese Sign Language course in the Senior Division of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tokyo.
Mr. MIYAKE Chikashige, who inherited the Sign Language Kyōgen tradition from his father’s generation, reflected: “Since the day I was born, it was simply natural for non-hearing people to be there.” This sentiment led to the recognition that a society where people with different attributes coexist as a matter of course is precisely what IncluDE should aim for.
The symposium concluded with closing remarks from HAYASHI Kaori, Executive Vice President of The University of Tokyo.
