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Hansen’s Disease in Japan: The Lingering Legacy of Discrimination

  • Hirasawa Yasuji, a recovered leprosy patient, speaks to a group of elementary school students at the National Hansen’s Disease Museum.

    Hirasawa Yasuji, a recovered leprosy patient, speaks to a group of elementary school students at the National Hansen’s Disease Museum.

  • Residential area at Tama Zenshōen.

    Residential area at Tama Zenshōen.

  • Row houses line a street in the residential area.

    Row houses line a street in the residential area.

  • This building at Tama Zenshōen, called Yamabukisha, was put up in 1928 and served for 77 years as a dormitory for single males with mild cases of Hansen’s Disease. In 2003 it was restored for preservation.

    This building at Tama Zenshōen, called Yamabukisha, was put up in 1928 and served for 77 years as a dormitory for single males with mild cases of Hansen’s Disease. In 2003 it was restored for preservation.

  • A diorama at the National Hansen’s Disease Museum recreates a scene from the 1920s at Yamabukisha.

    A diorama at the National Hansen’s Disease Museum recreates a scene from the 1920s at Yamabukisha.

  • A scale model of Tama Zenshōen around 1920. At the time it was called Zensei Hospital, and the employees’ area was clearly separated from the patients’ area. (National Hansen’s Disease Museum)

    A scale model of Tama Zenshōen around 1920. At the time it was called Zensei Hospital, and the employees’ area was clearly separated from the patients’ area. (National Hansen’s Disease Museum)

  • Residents were formerly required to use special bills and coins in place of regular currency; this system was abolished nationwide in 1953. (National Hansen’s Disease Museum)

    Residents were formerly required to use special bills and coins in place of regular currency; this system was abolished nationwide in 1953. (National Hansen’s Disease Museum)

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