Three-year-old Asahi Watanabe, who was born with a genetic disease that requires the use of a feeding tube for hydration, receives care from nursery staff at his Tokyo home — an unusual arrangement in Japan where family members of children with disabilities are often called upon to provide all the attention they need.
For many who are not hospitalized, it is often the mother who must care for them.
But in Asahi's case, because of the nursing care he receives at home for up to eight hours on weekdays, both his parents are able to work.