Iwase was born in Osaka in 1981. Influenced at an early age by his father, who pursued painting and sculpture as hobbies, he began his career as an illustrator. He self-studied various forms of popular art, including traditional Japanese paintings, ukiyo-e, and signage and advertisements from the mid-Edo to Showa periods.
Building on the ukiyo-e style, Iwase integrates elements of classical calligraphy, manga, and contemporary art into his work. His creative philosophy “bringing the winds of the past into the present” seeks to harmonise traditional painting techniques with the modern era and explore new artistic possibilities.

Iwase's portfolio is diverse, ranging from store signage and corporate advertisements to traditional craft designs, senshafuda illustrations, apparel design, and TV commercials. He is best known for his "Ukiyo-e Salaryman Series" which portrays modern society through the lens of ukiyo-e art.