Written by Aarohi Narain
Tokyo’s annual human rights awareness festival returns.
What happens?
Organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Human Rights Festa Tokyo aims to promote understanding and inclusion under the theme “Inclusive City Tokyo.” Each venue offers hands-on experiences, performances, and talks exploring how everyone can help build a more open and accessible city.
Highlights 2025
This year’s edition celebrates the upcoming Tokyo Deaflympics, with appearances by Deaflympics athletes and a chance to try a deaf shooting experience yourself. There will also be universal sports like boccia and wheelchair basketball. Join a low-vision simulation, and enjoy live music, dance, and storytelling.
Schedule 2025
The first event takes place on Saturday, November 8, at IIAS Takao in Hachioji from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a magic show, a talk and demonstration by Deaflympian Reiko Katsura, and a sign-language music performance by HANDSIGN.
On Saturday, November 15, the festival moves to the West Exit Plaza of Shinjuku Station, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day’s lineup includes talks on discrimination, appearances by popular mascots, an inclusive dance performance by RAYVEL, and live music from blind singer-songwriter Chihiro Watanabe.
The final event will be held on Saturday, December 6, at the Tokyo International Forum in Marunouchi from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features a full-day program with a talk by wheelchair rugby player Hiroyuki Misaka and others. Visitors can also try wheelchair basketball, make leather animal crafts, or browse goods from disaster-affected regions of Japan.
Tickets 2025
Admission is free, and sign language interpretation and transcription will be provided. Some sessions at the Tokyo International Forum require advance lottery registration via the event’s official website.
How to get there
IIAS Takao is about a six-minute walk from JR Takao Station or a five-minute walk from Keiō Hazama Station.
The Shinjuku event takes place right outside JR Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, a one-minute walk away.
The Tokyo International Forum is a one-minute walk from JR Yūrakuchō Station via the International Forum Exit.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
