Determined Idol Pursues Dreams Despite Paralysis, Faces Online Criticism for 'Just Sitting Around Making Money'

An idol who became paralyzed from the waist down after an accident continues to pursue her dreams on stage, but faces harsh criticism from internet users who claim she makes money without working.

Tomoka Igarashi, a member of the idol group Kamen Joshi, has once again become the subject of discussion after responding to online critics who have judged her life.

Tomoka was once a cheerful and passionate dancer, but her life took a dramatic turn in 2018 when a catastrophic accident occurred. A large 2.8-meter tall advertisement billboard was blown loose from a building by wind and fell directly onto her, trapping her underneath. Witnesses immediately called authorities, and she was rushed to the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery lasting six hours, narrowly surviving. However, the accident left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Tomoka revealed that in the beginning, she could barely accept what had happened. No matter how hard she tried, her legs no longer responded. Her life at that time was filled with despair, but she ultimately chose to fight back, believing that simply being alive was the most precious thing.

"It took me a long time to accept everything," she said. "I'm still alive, and nothing can replace that. It's a gift from God. No matter what trials come next, I will get through them."

Just four months after the accident, she decided to return to the stage as an idol, performing from a wheelchair. Before each show, her team had to carry her onto the stage and set up special ramps. Even sitting on stage during performances caused her significant physical pain.

However, what pained her more than her physical injuries were the words and prejudices from some people in society. Many times, internet users criticized her, saying she was "just sitting around making money," as if her life was full of ease.

Recently, Tomoka posted a screenshot of a comment from an X user who suggested that living in a wheelchair made it easy for her to "make money" without any hardship. This comment became the final straw that prompted her to respond directly.

"Sometimes I meet people who think sitting in a wheelchair is easy. So why don't you try sitting still all day and see how it feels? Sitting in a wheelchair for long periods causes my legs to swell and my back to hurt so badly I can barely stand it. And because I can't use my legs, I have to use my arms for everything, which causes them to swell red and makes the muscles feel like they're tearing apart."

She further explained that her spinal cord injury severely affects her core muscles. Even leaning forward slightly is difficult, and she must constantly hold onto tables or grab onto things to avoid falling. Additionally, she has lost the ability to feel pain signals from urination and defecation, requiring her to use a urinary catheter every day.

Previously, Tomoka posted about her feelings, saying that for most people, "being able to walk to the bathroom on your own" might seem ordinary, but for her, it's the thing she misses most in life. Ultimately, she vented all her frustration frankly—the pain, anger, and sadness from being judged by people who have never truly understood the lives of people with disabilities.

"If you think my life is so easy, then go ahead and try switching bodies with me," she concluded.