Discover Our Mission　私達の使命

Why Sora DHH Began

A Parent's Spark, A Global Vision

A Japanese mother living in Chicago with my two boys - the younger of whom is hard of hearing - this journey is deeply personal. After giving birth in Japan, navigating DHH support groups and communities in both countries, I experienced the unique strengths of both worlds. It made me wonder: How would these children react if they met peers from a different country? This spark inspired me to cross borders and connect them. Through Sora DHH, I want to show our children that their futures are bright, filled with endless choices and possibilities. 'Sora' means Sky in Japanese. Just like the one endless sky that covers us all, we whole-heartedly aim to build a truly borderless connection for our children.

シカゴで2人の男の子を育てている母親です。

次男が難聴で産まれたことをきっかけに、日本とアメリカ両国で、息子とともに様々な支援プログラムやセラピーに参加し、多くの先生方やろう、難聴の方に出会ってきました。

このような貴重な経験を重ね、日米のろう、難聴の子どもたちと過ごす中で、「この子達はもっと自信を持つべきではないのか」「自分と同じような環境の友達に出会えたら、どんな反応をするのだろう」「両国のいいところを見せてあげたい」という想いが強く芽生えてきました。

子ども達の未来はもっと自由で輝いていていいと思います。日米の子供達を繋げたい、未来を輝いたものにしたい、そんな願いのもとで文通を始めることにしました。

グループ名の「そら」には、日米の子どもたちのボーダーなき繋がりへの想いを込めています。「そら」は、雨が降ること、また色々な大変な日もあります、でも…必ず晴れの日がやってきます。子供達の未来にも太陽のような明るさが届くようにと願っています。

The Origin

Friendships Without Borders

I wanted my son and every DHH child to see that their future is limitlessly bright. Connecting Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth across the US and Japan transforms curiosity into lifelong confidence.

By discovering other cultures and sharing signing traditions, youth learn to take pride in who they are and realize they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Our Guiding Purpose

Empowering Every Child

Connection
Identity
Future

Cross-Cultural Peer Networks

Pride and Self-Belief

Limitless Horizons

Bringing US and Japanese DHH youth together to share experiences, build real friendships, and banish geographic isolation.

Helping youth discover their unique strengths, embrace their linguistic heritage, and develop unshakeable confidence in who they are.

Demonstrating through mentorship and global exchange that every career, creative path, and dream is fully open to them.

Support Our Mission

Help Build Bright Futures

Partner with Sora DHH to empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth with language immersion, peer support, and cultural confidence.