Former Japanese entertainer Maiuko Iwasa has made headlines following her transition from the glitz and glamour of showbiz to the demanding world of caregiving. She made her first public appearance since retiring from the entertainment industry at the ‘From Entertainment Industry to Caregiving’ talk event, held on December 14, 2024, in Tokyo.
Iwasato, 39, is not just any former star; she is remembered fondly for her work as Miss Magazine 2003 and her substantial contributions to numerous television dramas, including hits like Hanaikusa no Kimitachi e - Ikemen Paradise, Gal Sasar, and Mei-chan's Butler. Over her impressive 17-year career, she danced through genres, appearing on screen and participating actively in variety shows and film projects. Yet, she surprised many when she decided to bid farewell to her celebrity lifestyle and embrace the challenges of caregiving.
Now, Iwasa is enjoying a new chapter of life, working as a caregiver five days a week. This event marked her return to the public eye after four years since her retirement from the entertainment field. During her time on stage, Iwasa opened up about her transition from the spotlight to the care sector, where she is passionate about helping others. "I started by working as a dispatch staff member at special nursing homes," she said. After wanting to gain more experience, she took on different roles before settling as part-time staff at assisted living facilities.
She acknowledged the drastic staffing shortages plaguing the caregiving industry, stating, "切実に来てほしいという気持ちでしかない。一人ひとりの職員が、介護者に幸せな日常生活を送ってほしいと思っていても人手不足だからという理由で思ったような介護ができないということが本当にある," meaning, "I can only sincerely wish for more people to join us. Even if each staff member wants the caregivers to lead happy daily lives, lacking staff often means they can't provide the level of care they wish to." This quote resonates deeply with the current issues this sector faces.
Iwasa's heartfelt words shed light on the reality of caregiving—where every gesture counts, and every pair of hands matters. The event, sponsored by Tsuchiya, aimed not just to showcase her story but also to raise awareness about the dire need for more personnel within this field. The call for assistance reflects not only Iwasa's experiences but the experiences of countless caregivers struggling to provide the best care under challenging circumstances.
While many may view caregiving as merely a service, Iwasa’s insights challenge this notion, transforming it instead to one of compassion, dedication, and purpose. This sentiment was echoed by fellow event participant Miho Nishida, who serves as a caregiver talent and advocate. Nishida highlighted how important it is for caregivers to focus not only on physical care but also on enriching the emotional and social lives of those they serve.
The change from entertainer to caregiver symbolizes more than just choosing another career—it reflects personal growth and the desire to contribute positively to society. For Iwasa, it shows her commitment to making meaningful impacts on people's lives beyond the TV screen.
Questions about the future of caregiving, especially with younger generations, linger as Iwasa urges people to appreciate the profession and reconsider the value it holds. For Iwasa and her colleagues, each day brings new challenges coupled with the fulfillment from helping others.
Among the pressures of demands and needs from care recipients, it is clear Iwasa remains committed to her role. Her story encourages and inspires not just prospective caregivers but also those who may want to shift their careers. It demonstrates the power of courage and the importance of compassion, all rooted deeply within the heart of caregiving.
