Video Work of Sign Language Song Dance by Deaf and Hearing People Completed

A scene from the sign language song music video "Wings of Hope"

I am Fujino, the representative director of the General Incorporated Association Japan Sign Language and Culture Association (Minato-ku, Tokyo). We are pleased to announce the completion of "Wings of Hope," a sign language song music video featuring an equal number of deaf/hard-of-hearing and hearing performers. The release date is Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

This work is a music video in which a total of 16 members, 8 deaf (or hard-of-hearing) members and 8 hearing members, created a single expression on a completely equal footing. Through choreography incorporating sign language, it aims for expression through the body itself, transcending the presence or absence of sound, and is an extremely rare challenge in Japan, being created in a single take.

The song "Wings of Hope" was created based on my own life and the original emotions I felt when I encountered sign language. The lyrics and music were handled by Taisuke Nakamura.

The biggest challenge in producing this work was securing deaf and hard-of-hearing dancers. There are still few deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals with dance experience, and the production took about three months.

Participating members include Japanese national deaf athletes, deaf actors who have performed in ceremonies at international competitions, professional deaf dancers, as well as two first-year high school students from a school for the deaf, and a 68-year-old deaf dancer, among others, representing a variety of ages and professions. Many had no dance experience, truly bringing together people with diverse backgrounds.

Filming took place on March 22nd at a studio in Tokyo.

On the day of the shoot, seven sign language interpreters were on hand, gathering at 8:30 AM. For cues on when to dance,

・Finger spelling/sign language/speech

・Vibrations such as shaking the ground

・Numerical count display

Each person was given a customized method. Communication among themselves deepened even in positions not visible to the camera, creating an environment where performers could concentrate on their expression with peace of mind.

This work is not just a music video; it is a work that demonstrates that deaf/hard-of-hearing and hearing people can co-create a single expression on equal terms.

To stand on the same stage, even with the difference of the presence or absence of sound. That possibility was recorded as a video. We hope that many people will watch it.

【Work Overview】

Title: Sign Language Song "Wings of Hope" Music Video

Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Release Site: https://youtu.be/GpHRbIPjMgI

"Wings of Hope" YouTube

【Music】

"Wings of Hope"

Vocals: Fujino

Lyrics/Composition: Taisuke Nakamura

【Music Video】

Director: Naokazu Mitsuishi

Choreography: YUI TANIMURA

Performers: Fujino, 8 deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals, 8 hearing individuals

A scene from the music video

【Contact Information】

General Incorporated Association Japan Sign Language and Culture Association

Email: [email protected]