Hirotada Ototake Japanese man born without arms and legs who became a journalist and writer Date of Birth: 06.04.1976 Country: Japan

Biography of Hirotada Ototake

Hirotada Ototake, a Japanese sportsman, writer, author of a popular book, journalist, and certified diver, was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1976. Despite being born without both arms and legs, Ototake has achieved remarkable success in life. In addition to his accomplishments, he is also an avid traveler.

When Ototake was born, his mother was told by the doctor that her newborn had jaundice and she couldn't see him yet. She patiently waited for her son, only to find out three weeks later that he was born without both arms and legs. Ototake later wrote about this in his autobiography, recounting how his young mother smiled and said, "How cute!" upon seeing him for the first time. Contrary to the expectations of the medical professionals, she did not panic or faint.

Despite the societal attitudes towards disabilities in Japan at the time, Ototake's parents decided to raise him among regular children rather than as a disabled individual. This was an unpopular decision, but the young boy easily integrated into the community of his peers. He learned to answer the constant questions patiently and in detail. Ototake later graduated from school and university, becoming a journalist. By that time, he was able to independently accomplish many things, even though he mostly relied on a wheelchair for mobility. He demonstrated extraordinary skills for a person without limbs.

Ototake gained popularity after the release of his book, "No One's Perfect," which quickly became a bestseller in Japan and was translated into English. However, despite its success, the book received significant criticism for its overly optimistic tone. Ototake failed to mention the difficulties and doubts faced by a person born without arms and legs. In contrast, another author without limbs, Nick Vujicic, in his book shared his struggles and even admitted contemplating suicide at times.

Nevertheless, Hirotada Ototake became a well-known writer, and his book became the third best-selling book in Japan since World War II. His career as a journalist also skyrocketed alongside his writing success. Those who know Ototake or have met him attest that it is nearly impossible to see him without a smile on his face. He effortlessly overcomes challenges, never loses his spirit, and displays an optimism that many able-bodied people envy. In the epilogue of his book, he shares the message that even as a disabled individual, he enjoys every day of life. His message to the world is not to give up on children born with disabilities. Ototake knows that the joy of life is not solely dependent on having all limbs and that commonly held human values sometimes require reevaluation.

Interestingly, even Ototake's own mother admitted that if she had known how her son would be born, she would have had serious doubts about continuing with the pregnancy. However, Ototake strongly disagrees with this sentiment, firmly believing that everyone has a chance at a happy life. It is just a matter of utilizing what one has been given and effectively utilizing their abilities. In 2013, Ototake became the subject of a film based on his own life.