Nagashima Aiseien Sanatorium

National Sanatorium Nagashima Aiseien

Location	6539 Mushiake, Oku-machi, Setouchi, Okayama
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Country	Japan
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Website	[www.hosp.go.jp/~aiseien/ Official website]

The Nagashima Aiseien Sanatorium, or the National Sanatorium Nagashima Aiseien, is a sanatorium located on the island of Nagashima in Setouchi, Okayama, Japan. It was founded in 1930 and was specifically established for the treatment of leprosy. Currently, the sanatorium is home to former leprosy patients.

History

Background

In 1927, members of Japan's Lower House presented a bill stating that the existing prefectural leprosy sanatoriums were insufficient and that the government needed to establish national sanatoriums. Following the recommendations of leprologist Kensuke Mitsuda, the director of Tokyo's Tama Zenshoen Sanatorium, it was decided that the first national sanatorium would be built on an island.

Nagashima Riot

Kensuke Mitsuda admitted more patients to the sanatorium than it could reasonably accommodate, leading to overcrowding and deteriorating conditions. In August 1936, unrest among the patients escalated after four patients were caught trying to escape. This resulted in demonstrations and a delay in dining hours. Special policemen were called in to control the situation, and negotiations took place between the patients and officials. Eventually, the patients were permitted to form a self-governing organization called Jichikai.

Oku-Nagashima Ohashi Bridge

On May 9, 1988, the Oku-Nagashima-Ohashi Bridge was completed, connecting the mainland with the islands of Nagashima Aiseien and Oku Komyoen. Patients had been advocating for a bridge since 1968, and lobbying efforts were restarted in 1972. The bridge was planned and built by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and its completion marked a significant improvement in transportation for the sanatorium.