Japan ASL Signers Society (JASS)

Why learn ASL?

ASL is used by the majority of the Deaf Americans in the U.S.A.  When Tokyo hosted the World Congress of Deaf in 1991, we realized that ASL was often used as the “contact” language by many people from international countries.  Gesture was also widely used but ASL is definitely in an unshakable position as the primary “contact” language.  JASS became more determined to offer ASL as a foreign sign language for members of the Deaf Community in Japan.  By giving the Deaf Community in Japan the chance to learn foreign sign language as well as cultural differences, one will appreciate his/her language and culture even more.  JASS has a policy that at least everyone should know basic Japanese Sign Language (JSL) before taking ASL courses.  JASS does recognize and value JSL as Deaf Japanese’s native language as well as other communication methods utilized by other members of the Deaf Community.