Japan has passed a new law to officially recognize Japanese Sign Language (JSL). This happened after 20 years of hard work by the Deaf community. All 1,741 local councils and the national government voted “yes.” That means 100% support. Japan already had a law to protect people with disabilities. But this is the first law that focuses only on sign language. The Japanese Federation of the Deaf (JFD) led the effort. Over the years, thousands of people marched to support this law. Now, the government must promote sign language in schools, art, and public life. Parents of Deaf children will get the language and information they need to talk with their children. Sign language interpreters will be required in more places. People are calling this new law “historic.” It was passed just a few months before Japan hosts the Deaflympics for the first time. The Deaflympics is an international sports event for Deaf athletes. It will happen in Tokyo with about 6,000 athletes from 80 countries. The games use visual communication like sign language, lights, and flags to help athletes compete. This new law brings more attention and support before the games begin in November.

A recent study tested 90 artificial intelligence (AI) systems that turn spoken words into sign language. Only one system passed. Experts say AI sign language is still in the testing stage. More than 30 companies now use AI avatars to sign words in real time or in videos. But many Deaf people say human interpreters are still very important. There are over 300 different sign languages around the world. Laws say Deaf people must have access, but there aren’t enough trained human interpreters. Some people use AI to help teach sign language, like helping hearing parents learn to sign with their Deaf children. That can be useful. But sign language is more than just hand shapes. It also uses facial expressions and body movement. Many AI avatars do not show this clearly. When these parts are missing, the message can be wrong or confusing. In serious places like hospitals or courtrooms, trained human interpreters make sure everything is clear and correct. Using AI in these situations can be risky. AI can help with simple things, but it cannot replace human interpreters. The technology is improving and may one day work well in phones, websites, or other tools. In the future, it could help make the world more accessible.