Video Work of Sign Language Song Dance by Deaf and Hearing People Completed
The Japan Sign Language and Culture Association announced the completion of "Wings of Hope," a music video featuring an equal number of deaf/hard-of-hearing and hearing performers. This groundbreaking project aims to express through the body, transcending sound, and was filmed in a single take, a rare challenge in Japan. It showcases a diverse cast, including professional deaf dancers and high school students, demonstrating the potential for co-creation between deaf and hearing individuals.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 16:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 08:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 14:40 (246h 40m after Collected)

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

【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

【Contact Information】
General Incorporated Association Japan Sign Language and Culture Association
Email: contact@jslca.fujino-official.com