Ōshima Seishōen Sanatorium, National Hansen's disease sanatorium on Ōshima Island, Takamatsu, Japan.
Ōshima Seishōen is a medical facility on Ōshima Island near Takamatsu with buildings spread across the island grounds. The complex houses specialized wards, archives, and exhibition areas dedicated to the history and treatment of Hansen's disease.
The facility was founded in 1909 as an island leprosarium and underwent several name changes throughout its operation. It received its present name in 1946 when it came under national administration.
The sanatorium displays residents' life stories through artwork, music performances, and personal accounts. Visitors can see these testimonies and understand how people built their lives within this place.
The site is reachable by ferry from Takamatsu and offers guided visits for interested visitors. You should check in advance which parts of the island are open to the public and plan for travel time to reach it.
Starting in 1947, the sanatorium introduced a system that provided residents with monthly payments. This program was modified over time and remained an unusual form of support for the community living there.
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