Telephone Relay Service mediates calls between deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing parties (businesses, government) through interpreter operators. Users communicate via text or sign language video to operators, who relay by voice, and vice versa.
Japan launched public infrastructure relay service in July 2021 under the "Act on Facilitation of Telephone Use by Persons with Hearing Disabilities." Operated by the Nippon Foundation Telephone Relay Service, it's available 24/7/365 including emergency calls (110/119) - enabling deaf individuals to make emergency phone calls for the first time.
Users pay only standard call charges with no mediation fees. Funding comes from "Telephone Relay Service fees" (about 1 yen/number/month) borne by all phone users, similar to Universal Service fees.
The service's significance is guaranteeing deaf individuals equal telephone access previously denied. Hospital appointments, government procedures, and business inquiries previously phone-only are now accessible. See emergency number guide for details.