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Information on permanent exhibition
The permanent exhibitions are in the order of "The National Hansen's Disease Museum", the introductory exhibition, the exhibition room 1 "History exhibition", the exhibition room 2 "The Leprosy sanatorium", and the exhibition room 3 "Proof of survival".
Introductory exhibition "Ayumi of the The National Hansen's Disease Museum
The National Hansen's Disease Museum introduces the process from before 1993 (Heisei 5) when the Prince Takamatsu Memorial Hansen's Disease Museum to the renewal realized as a result of the plaintiff's victory in Lawsuit Claiming Compensation from the Government, and the purpose, philosophy and function of the The National Hansen's Disease Museum..
Introductory exhibition "Symbol of isolation"
Leprosy sanatorium was set up in a remote location for the purpose of isolating patients. There are also sanatoriums where the site is surrounded by fences and fences to avoid contact between patients and people in society. In a sanatorium isolated from society, residents had to keep their lives safe and have fun.
In this corner, you can see the walls and fences that surrounded the sanatorium, as well as the fire pumps and projectors that were actually in the sanatorium.
Exhibition Room 1 "History Exhibition" History of Hansen's Disease
Hansen's Disease the treatment of patients from ancient times to the early modern period in Japan, and the history since modern times, focusing on policies. I will tell you the historical background as the first step to understanding the Issues related to leprosy
1-1. From ancient times to modern times
From ancient times to the early modern Hansen's Disease 's disease changed and overlapped with each other, such as infectious diseases, diseases caused by Buddhist punishment, "injured" diseases, and diseases caused by family and blood lines. Under such circumstances, the patients were placed at the bottom of society as sinful and karmic. Here, we follow the people who have moved from their homes to the settlements of the discriminated people, and those who have lived while wandering, praying for healing and begging for healing. On the other hand, even in these times, there were a few cases that did not exclude patients and showed the possibility that they were dating as the same person.
1-2. Beginning of Patient accommodation
After the Meiji era, there were many patients who had to leave their homes and were wandering around in towns and shrines, temples, and hot springs. Doctors who are trying to treat patients who had been abandoned by the public until then began to appear, and religious people also started relief activities. From the end of the Meiji era, isolation of wandering patients was started as a national measure. Behind this was the introduction of bacteriology-based measures such as disinfection and isolation against the epidemic of acute infectious diseases such as cholera, and the fact that the existence of patients was not suitable for a "civilized country." And so on. A public sanatorium was created, and a few years later, Patient procedures and confinement rooms had already appeared, and sterilization surgery had begun.
1-3. Strengthening isolation
Leprosy is incurable, and even if it seems to be cured, it may recur and become a source of infection someday, and the policy will be changed from around 1920 to strengthen the isolation of patients. In 1931 (Showa 6), "(Old) Leprosy Prevention Law" was amended and given the title "Leprosy Prevention Law", and it was considered that there was a risk of infection based on the idea of eradicating the disease. It is now possible to forcibly isolate the patient to a sanatorium. In this way, National Sanatorium was set up nationwide, and a system was created to accommodate all patients. The old prejudice combined with the dreaded infectious disease propaganda made patients even more difficult to live in the community and sent them to sanatoriums. They did not care about the patient's will. Internationally, on the other hand, there has been a gradual change in the desire for quarantine to be voluntary rather than compulsory, only if it is contagious.
1-4. Chemotherapy and Patient exercises
The war is over and we are in an era of peace and democracy. The Constitution of Japan, which advocates respect for basic human rights, was promulgated in place of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, and chemotherapy that can cure Hansen's Disease These changes have awakened many patients' awareness of humanity recovery. The sanatorium was supposed to change significantly at this time, but there was no significant change in national policy and social attitudes. Therefore, patients had to win the dignity of human beings by themselves.
1-5. Leprosy Prevention Law Abolition and Lawsuit Claiming Compensation from the Government
Leprosy Prevention Law which has made the All-Japan National Leprosaria Patients' Association Movements biggest issue, was realized in the form of abolition. Lawsuit Claiming Compensation from the Government for the Unconstitutionality of the Leprosy Prevention Law the responsibility of the country, and won the first-instance judgment. In response to this, the national government abandoned the appeal and decided to proceed with efforts to resolve the problem at an early stage, such as the enactment of the Act on Payment of Compensation to Inmates of Hansen's Disease Sanatorium (“ Act on Payment of Compensation to Inmates of Hansen's Disease Sanatorium In 2006, the "Act on Payment of Compensation to Inmates of Hansen's Disease Sanatorium" was amended to provide compensation to Former leprosy patients Also in 2009, Act on the Promotion of Resolution of Issues Related to Hansen's Disease ( "Act on the Promotion of the Resolution to the Issues Related to Hansen's Disease was enacted") is, Former leprosy patients promotion and the welfare of al Restoration of honor efforts for have been made. In addition, Lawsuit by Former Leprosy Patients' Families Claiming Compensation from the Government Former leprosy patients 's family for apology and compensation for the damage caused by the national isolation policy in 2016, also won the first trial decision, and the state abandoned the appeal and the decision was finalized. .. In response to this, in 2019, a law was promulgated to partially revise the law concerning the payment of compensation to the Family members of former leprosy patients Act on Compensation to Former Leprosy Patients' Families") and the Act for Partial Revision of the Act on the Promotion of Resolution of Issues Related to Hansen's Disease.. However, there are still issues to be addressed, such as the aging and small number of residents, the future of sanatoriums Former leprosy patients and the elimination of persistent prejudice and discrimination against recoverers and their families.
"To everyone for the first time" Exhibition room 1 Commentary sheet
You can download a sheet that explains the history of Hansen's Disease
Exhibition Room 1 Download each sheet
[ 01 ] Until the Edo period (PDF: 667KB)
[ 02 ] The beginning of sanatoriums - 1 - Christian and Buddhist sanatoriums - (PDF: 970KB)
[ 03 ] The beginning of sanatoriums - 2 - National and prefectural sanatoriums - (PDF: 667KB)
[ 04 ] Structure of a sanatorium (PDF: 990KB)
[ 05 ] Forced isolation (PDF: 1,030KB)
[ 06 ] The advent of curative drugs and the activities of patients (PDF: 990KB)
[ 07 ] Abolition of Leprosy Prevention Law and Trial (PDF: 1,170KB)
[ 08 ] Why are you living in a sanatorium even though your illness has been cured? (PDF: 670KB)
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Exhibition Room 2 "Leprosy sanatorium" A harsh life at a sanatorium before the drug was made
It introduces how patients in sanatoriums lived in harsh conditions, focusing on the times before the advent of chemotherapy. In addition to the living tools, work tools, and treatment tools used by the patient, a diorama that reproduces a room in Yamabukisha" (Tama Zenshoen
2-1. Leprosy "declaration" and containment
Since ancient times, people in society have strongly hated Hansen's Disease The patient's diagnosis of "leprosy" indicates the shock he received because he had the same prejudice before the onset of illness. Against this background of social conditions, the country has promoted the isolation of patients in order to protect society. In addition, the family was also hated as a "leprosy lineage", so patients had to be displaced from their homes and homes to enter sanatoriums or wander.
2-2. Sanatorium clothing, food and housing
The admitted patients were moved from the containment ward to the dormitory, and the life of the sanatorium began. The dormitory is a multi-tenant room, and we were moved in according to physical disabilities such as gender, age, and blindness. That was all about the residents' clothing, food and shelter.
2-3. Leprosy Treatment-Chaulmoogra oil and Symptomatic Treatment-
In an era when there was no effective treatment, sanatoriums prioritized containment over patient treatment. As they had to do a lot of work to maintain their lives in the sanatorium, they were constantly injured, sick, and rather had to be treated for it. In addition, treatment assistants, ward nursing, and long-term Nursing care in the dormitory for the disabled were also covered by Patient procedures
2-4. Patient procedures
Hansen's Disease is extremely rarely the direct cause of death, and in fact, complications such as tuberculosis were the main cause of death. Therefore, if there were no complications, the patient had a considerable labor force in appearance unless blindness or severe disability of the limbs occurred, so Patient procedures" was performed for the purpose of maintaining and operating the sanatorium. I was forced to work. At one sanatorium, I was engaged in as many as 98 different occupations.
2-5. Maintaining order in the sanatorium-comfort events and Arrest and punishment
Many patients had no purpose to regain their pre-admission life and were desperate. At the sanatorium, various annual events and religious activities were held for the comfort of patients, while Arrest and punishment rights were granted to maintain order.
2-6. Marriage, sterilization, abortion
Marriage was not initially permitted, but marriage between residents was permitted for the purpose of establishing a sanatorium. It was a "go-to-marriage" or a Couples living together without privacy. Also, in most sanatoriums, couples were not allowed to have children. Societies that refuse patients' children have also forced sterilization of men and abortion of pregnant women.
2-7. School in the sanatorium
When sick, children were housed in the same way as adults. The child has been cut off from his affectionate family and friends because of his illness. At the sanatorium, the desire to read letters from family members and write letters at home supported children's learning.
2-8. Social prejudice
"Leprosy is a lifelong leprosy once it is taken" * -Even if a patient admitted to a sanatorium is cured of his illness and leaves the hospital, society has never erased the stigma he once stamped and rejected it. Nevertheless, patients have been rejected and discouraged, expecting the goodwill of society. * From "once a leper, always a leper" "Leprosy Medicine Guide"
2-9. Death in the sanatorium
Most patients end their lives in nursing homes, and most of the uncollected remains are stored in the ossuary. Death in a nursing home meant the disappearance of one's existence for a patient who was admitted with a break from society and family. However, some believed in the idea that the soul was immortal even after death, and forgot it with the thoughts of "liberation from isolation" and "I'm glad I returned to my hometown."
"To everyone for the first time" Exhibition room 2 Commentary sheet
You can download a sheet that explains the history of Hansen's Disease
Exhibition Room 2 Download each sheet
[ 01 ] Until entering the sanatorium (PDF: 1,020KB)
[ 02 ] Food, clothing, and shelter - Wearing, eating, living - (PDF: 939KB)
[ 03 ] Treatment (PDF: 1.080KB)
[ 04 ] Patient labor (PDF: 670KB)
[ 05 ] Events and sports (PDF: 954KB)
[ 06 ] Prison for patients (PDF: 970KB)
[ 07 ] Marriage, sterilization, and abortion (PDF: 668KB)
[ 08 ] Children and school (PDF: 695KB)
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Exhibition Room 3 "Proof of Survival"
Introducing Former leprosy patients have survived in search of the meaning of life even in harsh conditions. It also introduces what you need to know in order to live with patients and Former leprosy patients There is also a testimony corner where you can hear the testimony of about 60 patients and Former leprosy patients
3-1. In Search of a Better Medical Life-The Beginning of Chemotherapy and Patient exercises
After the war, the Constitution of Japan was promulgated, promulgating respect for basic human rights, and chemotherapy was introduced. All-Japan National Leprosaria Patients' Association action to improve medical care and life, and All-Japan National Leprosaria Patients' Association (All Patients' Association / Currently All-Japan National Hansen's Disease Sanatoria Residents' Association) have started. Leprosy Prevention Law struggle, subsequent exercises provided medical care and living environments suitable for sanatoriums. These achievements support our current life.
3-2. Creating a purpose of life-Sure cooperation with society-
Residents have been engaged in various cultural activities in search of their own value while living in a sanatorium. The works and performances created in this way impressed people both inside and outside the sanatorium and at any time, and provided an opportunity for residents and society to connect with each other. It was also a means of asserting a living testimony to society. It shows the strength of human beings who seek a certain purpose of life even after losing their eyesight and freedom of limbs.
3-3. Medical Advances-Multidrug therapy and Rehabilitation-
Mycobacterium leprae a chronic infectious disease caused by Hansen's Disease Although it is an infectious disease, the disease will not be transmitted as long as Multibacillary leprosy Of course, there is nothing wrong with engaging with the patient being treated or the person who has healed (the Former leprosy patients Basic knowledge about Hansen's Disease is useful for dealing with patients and Former leprosy patients
3-4. Leprosy sanatorium Japan now
Currently, there are 14 national and private Leprosy sanatorium Former leprosy patients cannot return to society even if their illness is cured by a long isolation policy. Now that the number of residents is aging and the number of residents is decreasing, many residents are worried about the future of sanatoriums. In order to eliminate such anxiety, each sanatorium is making efforts to improve medical care and stabilize living. In addition, facilities to introduce each history have been created, and projects for enlightenment and exchange are being carried out.
Hansen's Disease world now-a curable disease, remaining prejudice-
Hansen's Disease has become a disease that can be cured while suppressing the emergence of resistant bacteria by the Multidrug therapy developed in 1981. Through the development of medical care, the governments of each country centered on the World Health Organization (WHO), and the establishment of a cooperative system aimed at controlling Hansen's Disease Hansen's Disease are producing great results, and the number of patients Hansen's Disease Has more than 200,000 people worldwide annually. However, even now that the disease has been cured, prejudice and discrimination still persist. For this reason Former leprosy patients and their families in each country are still living marginalized from society. Former leprosy patients have never been in the forefront have begun to rise around the world. Former leprosy patients are the parties concerned, have begun to fight against prejudice and discrimination by creating a network to regain human pride and dignity.
3-6. Aiming for coexistence and symbiosis
Former leprosy patients is lonely, society and Former leprosy patients does not solve even changed the only involvement. Former leprosy patients most important being for the recoverer is the family of his hometown, both now and in the past. Former leprosy patients are still worried that their families will be discriminated against by the public, and their families are also afraid of the public eye. The world is Former leprosy patients but also for their families. Former leprosy patients, families, the world. Thinking about how these three parties are involved and supporting them is a necessary effort to live together.
Testimony corner
You can hear the testimony of about 60 patients and Former leprosy patients
"To everyone for the first time" Exhibition room 3 Commentary sheet
You can download a sheet that explains the history of Hansen's Disease
Exhibition Room 3 Download each sheet
[ 02 ] Trial and future plan (PDF: 1,000KB)
[ 03 ] Creating purpose in life (PDF: 1,070KB)
[ 04 ]Current treatment of Hansen's Disease (PDF: 669KB)
[ 05 ] Hansen's Disease around the world (PDF: 1,020KB)
[ 06 ] What is the current status of Leprosy sanatorium in Japan? (PDF: 1,390KB)
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"Now and the past of Tama Zenshoen
This is an exhibition corner where you can learn about the National Sanatorium Tama Zenshoen next to the The National Hansen's Disease Museum Nine photographs (present and past) are exhibited from the historic sites left in the Inside the sanatorium