"Changing Society, Not Harboring Resentment"... 23-Year-Old Wheelchair Activist Daiki Tabogami [Japan Insight]

Social Activist Daiki Tabogami
Diagnosed with Congenital Cerebral Palsy
Parents Unable to Raise Him Due to Drug Addiction
Advocating for Measures Against Drug Dependence and Child Abuse
Giving Lectures and Calling for Policy Reforms as a Survivor

Recently, drug addiction has emerged as a significant social issue in South Korea. In Japan, a social activist who has gained recognition through appearances on YouTube has also been in the spotlight this week, with Japanese media covering his story extensively. Today, we share the story of Daiki Tabogami, who actively promotes disabled sports and campaigns for solutions to drug addiction.

Tabogami was born in 2002 and is now in his twenties. He was born prematurely and underweight, and was diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy immediately after birth. While it cannot be definitively stated as a direct cause, both of his parents were dependent on drugs at the time of his conception and birth. His mother was deemed incapable of raising a child, and his father was serving time in prison when Tabogami was born. For his protection, Tabogami was sent to a child welfare facility immediately after birth. He continued to live in child care institutions and spent his childhood weekends in foster care, staying with different families who took care of him.

Social activist Daiki Tabogami. Daiki Tabogami Instagram.

When he became an elementary school student, he entered a facility for people with disabilities. At that time, he began to wonder why his parents never visited, unlike the parents of other children. In the second grade, a letter arrived at the facility addressed "from your father." That was the first time he became aware of his father's existence. Although he felt confused, he began participating in disabled sports such as table tennis and track and field at the facility, becoming deeply involved in these activities. He eventually began living full-time with his weekend foster family, where, for the first time, he experienced the warmth of a family. Even now, he frequently mentions his foster parents.

Later, in high school at a special education school, he became active in social activities, even serving as student council president. However, his father briefly appeared when Tabogami was in the fifth grade, only to disappear again after returning to prison, and problems continued to persist.

After graduating from the special education high school, Tabogami had to leave the facility. He hoped to reconnect with his biological family and decided to return to them. However, his biological father had started a new family and was still in prison. Tabogami asked his stepmother to manage the money he had saved and to act as a guarantor for various activities. However, after his father was released, this led to abuse. On his website, Tabogami described this period as one of "economic, physical, and psychological abuse." With the help of those around him who witnessed his situation, he was able to return to his foster parents' home and completely escape from his biological family.

Mr. Tabogami giving a lecture. Tabogami Daiki Instagram/

This series of experiences had a profound impact on Tabogami. As a result, he began to speak out as a social activist, advocating for child welfare and the strengthening of social protection systems from the perspective of someone who had experienced abuse firsthand. For example, in Japan, people with disabilities are required to obtain the signature of a direct family member as a joint guarantor when signing up for welfare services. Tabogami faced numerous difficulties because his family was unable to fulfill this role. He now gives lectures and campaigns to improve such inadequate policies. Regarding drug dependence, Tabogami believes that, rather than focusing solely on preventive education, more emphasis should be placed on support measures such as self-help groups and connecting those struggling with addiction to medical institutions.

He has also obtained a certification as a disabled sports instructor, which gave him great strength, and he works to introduce and promote these sports. In an interview with Abema, Tabogami stated, "I do not intend to resent my biological parents, nor do I wish to deny their existence," and added, "I want to live together with people who are dependent on drugs or difficult to live with." He explained that this mindset comes from the sense of accomplishment and perseverance he developed through disabled sports. Although he has faced criticism that he is "just using his family background to make money," he continues his lectures because he hopes for the recovery of those struggling with addiction.

Profile showing Tabogami exercising. Daiki Tabogami Instagram.

In another magazine interview, he said, "There have been many people who walked away after hearing about my background, but now there are people who support my activities. I want to turn everything I have been given into an opportunity." It seems his energy resonates with many people.