In the days when there were no effective treatments for Hansen's Disease, blindness accounted for about 10% of all residents in sanatoriums. Blindness has added to the despair of many residents who have lost their perception and have other disabilities such as limbs. Many blind people, who were considered to be "unable to do anything without someone's help," had no choice but to spend the day in a corner of the room with their backs to a pillar and a sense of emptiness.

In the post-war period, major changes occurred, such as the advent of chemotherapy and the formation of the National Leprosy Patient Council (All-Japan National Leprosaria Patients' Association). In the midst of this, organizations for the blind were born in each kindergarten to see if there was anything they could do on their own, and in 1955 (Showa 30), the National Council of the Union of the Blind with Leprosy was formed. With the aim of promoting the happiness of the blind, he actively participated in the movement to improve the lives of the blind and the All-Japan National Leprosaria Patients' Association movement. This year marks the 56th year of the activities of the National Federation of the Blind, which has achieved great results in the fight to obtain a national pension and to replace the staff of nursing for the disabled.

On the other hand, various cultural activities were developed, from literature and music to pottery and shogi, and the field of activity expanded beyond the sanatorium. Some continued to make literally blood-curdling efforts, such as reading Braille not with their fingers, but with their lips and the tip of their tongue, the only remaining perception.

In this special exhibition, we will introduce how the blind survived in the sanatorium, focusing on their lives, movements, and cultural activities. I would like you to see how he believed in his own potential while working on various activities, even if it was difficult, and tried to seek a glimmer of light.