Key Facts
• 2025: Wataru Iwasaki, a poet from Sendai, becomes co-representative of Care Support Network.
• The network supports individuals with severe disabilities to secure public caregiving services.
• Iwasaki, 49, relies on 24-hour caregiving due to muscular dystrophy.
• 2017: Iwasaki faced caregiving challenges as his elderly parents reached their limits.
• Sendai City initially denied his request for 24-hour caregiving support.
• Care Support Network lawyers helped overturn the decision through detailed evidence and advocacy.
• The network uses legal expertise to address caregiving disparities across regions.
• Iwasaki aims to amplify the voices of disabled individuals as a co-representative.
• The organization combines legal professionals and disabled individuals as co-leaders.
• Iwasaki is also a published poet and advocate for disability rights.
Summary
Wataru Iwasaki, a poet from Sendai with muscular dystrophy, has been appointed co-representative of the Care Support Network in 2025. The organization ensures individuals with severe disabilities can access essential caregiving services. Iwasaki, who requires 24-hour care, previously faced challenges when his elderly parents could no longer provide nighttime assistance. After Sendai City initially denied his caregiving request, the network’s legal team helped secure the necessary support through evidence-based advocacy. As co-representative, Iwasaki aims to strengthen the representation of disabled individuals and address caregiving disparities nationwide. His leadership reflects the network’s unique model of combining legal professionals and disabled individuals to drive systemic change.
