Our Advisors
Kazumi Matsuoka
"I am from Osaka. I obtained my Ph.D. in the U.S. and became a Japanese language instructor at the university. Since moving to Keio University in 2000 I have been teaching English and linguistics. My research interests are in sign language linguistics, syntax (grammatical arrangement of words), and language development. I advised NHK Educational TV's 'Everyone's Sign Language' program in 2018 and 2019, and have published 'Learning the Basics of Sign Language Linguistics in JSL' from Kuroshio Publishers in 2015. I hope you will learn the basics of JSL using Signs I/O and enjoy interactions with the Deaf."
Nobue Kobayashi
"I am from Aichi. Currently I teach sign language and Japanese-to-JSL translation at universities in Tokyo. I hope you will enjoy learning JSL with Signs I/O."
WP Shuwa Terakoya (School of Sign Language)
The Outsourcing Business Service Co, WP Group runs a sign language school called "Shuwa Terakoya." The aim is to respect JSL and to build awareness about and share the language of the Deaf. The instructors' mother tongue is JSL and the classes are given to the hearing by the Deaf. Through communication with the Deaf teacher, the students will learn real-life words and phrases.
Kyoko Kobayashi
Kyoko was born in Tochigi. After working in a company, she started working as a sign language instructor. Now she teaches part-time at Waseda University and at the National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities Course of Sign Language Studies. "I have started taking up online cooking classes recently and have been enjoying making and stocking up meals on my days off. I also love animals and enjoy watching animal videos." "It is wonderful that those interested in sign language can now learn whenever and however they like consistently using Signs I/O. I hope you will all enjoy learning."
Mami Nakatsu
"I am a Coda. Coda stands for Children of Deaf Adults. My father is Deaf and my mother is hearing. I currently work as coordinator in the Disability Services Office at the University of Tokyo to support students and teachers with disabilities. I am also doing research on the psychosocial development of relationships between Codas and their Deaf parents. I belong to an association called J-CODA which connects Codas across the country. Through learning sign language, I hope you will discover the thoughts and the lives of the Deaf and their family. Website "CODA's Page" (In Japanese)