There is a parent and child in Japan who, despite having a disease that only two people in the country have, live happily every day.
This time, we interviewed Kouta's mom, who is dealing with various complications due to a rare chromosomal abnormality.
The Instagram account where this dedicated mom shares information is followed by many people, regardless of whether they have disabilities or not.
Kouta's mom shared her thoughts on parenting and the kind of society she aims for. Please read until the end.
*Information was verified and partially updated on March 13, 2026.
1. Who is Kouta's Mom, a Mother of a Child with Disabilities?
Kouta's disease does not have a specific name. Although an abnormality was found on chromosome 7, it did not match any existing disease names.
In most cases, the child does not survive before birth.
Therefore, simply researching it provided no information, leading to many struggles.
However, Kouta's mom has been proactive, obtaining information directly from a university professor researching chromosome 7 and advocating with local authorities for a disability certificate, which was difficult to obtain due to the lack of a disease name.
1-1. Why Kouta's Mom is Supported by Many Mothers
Kouta's mom's Instagram posts always receive many comments. Additionally, she often receives direct messages from followers seeking advice.
Through her Instagram posts and this interview, I felt something significant.
It is her calmness and deep compassion that define her character.
Because her personality shines through, followers not only gain information but also connect with the heartfelt, living information she shares.
Instead of viewing disabilities negatively, she shares her experiences as part of parenting, with a bright and joyful approach, which is why she is loved by many.
2. Grateful for Kouta's Birth
[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Kouta's Mom]
Akaishi: Could you tell us about the time when Kouta was born?
Kouta's Mom: We didn't know about the disease while he was in the womb, and even after he was born, it wasn't immediately apparent.
He wasn't drinking milk at all, which made me think something was different compared to my other two children. On the second day after birth, we discovered a heart condition. From there, we underwent tests and learned about the chromosomal abnormality.
Akaishi: If you don't mind, could you share your feelings at that time?
Kouta's Mom: Initially, I was a bit anxious about parenting, thinking he might need a ventilator 24/7, but I wasn't shocked at all. While other moms and dads might feel down, we didn't feel that way at all.
We were told that Kouta's chromosomal abnormality usually results in not being born at all, so we were more filled with joy, thinking, "It's a miracle he was born," as a couple.
I rarely get discouraged and tend to see things positively, which is why I believe Kouta was born to me. I thought I could raise him.
While I have no fears, I am determined to do everything I can. I decided to gather information and do my best for Kouta.
3. Why Start Sharing on Instagram?
Kouta's mom started Instagram in March 2020. As of 2022, she has 13,000 followers, attracting attention not only from mothers of children with disabilities but also from various groups.
We asked Kouta's mom about her reasons for openly sharing her daily life with her child on social media.
3-1. What Inspired You to Start Posting?
Akaishi: What inspired you to start Instagram?
Kouta's Mom: The reason I started was because I was seeking information myself. Although there are no others with the same disease, I wanted to connect with moms who share similar feelings.
As I began posting about Kouta, I gradually became the one sharing information.
3-2. Reactions and Challenges from Posting
Akaishi: How did you feel about the reactions you received?
Kouta's Mom: Actually, only about 10% of my followers are moms of children with disabilities.
Many people simply see Kouta as a cute baby, and I've received comments like "I was aiming to be a regular school teacher, but after learning about Kouta, I want to work at a special needs school."
I'm very happy that people can learn about the feelings of children with disabilities and their moms through my posts.
Akaishi: Did you face any challenges while sharing your posts?
Kouta's Mom: Yes, I did. For example, some people with children more severely affected than Kouta might think "Kouta can do anything," and I've received direct messages about this.
However, I believe it's wrong to compare because everyone is different, even among people with disabilities.
I hope to share content that can brighten the day for moms in similar situations, regardless of whether their children have disabilities.
4. What Kouta's Mom Wants to Convey Through Instagram
Akaishi: What does "disability" mean to you?
Kouta's Mom: It's not the physical or intellectual disabilities themselves that are the issue, but rather the lack of understanding about them that is the real barrier.
Many people have little interaction with individuals with disabilities from a young age, so they tend to keep their distance. But if everyone knew more about disabilities, the "barrier" would disappear.
Kouta attends a regular daycare, and without being told, his friends help him. I hope there will be more opportunities for such interactions.
Akaishi: Is that what led you to share on Instagram?
Kouta's Mom: Yes, exactly. For example, Kouta's wheelchair looks like a stroller, but when I posted about its functions, I received comments like "I noticed it on the street" and "I've become more aware of wheelchairs."
I'm happy if people can learn bit by bit, no matter the starting point.
5. The Future Kouta's Mom Hopes For
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