National Hansen's Disease Museum
Since its opening in 1993 (Heisei 5), we have been working in the hope that society will not repeat the mistakes of forces isolation and discrimination due to illness through the collection and exhibition of proof that Hansen’s disease patients and recoverers have been alive.
It became a national facility in 2007 (Heisei 19), and it also plays a role as a base for education in human rights through the national rehabilitation project and Hansen’s disease problem.
The museum presents the history of Hansen’s disease in Japan, harsh life under the isolation policy, and the appearance of recoverers who have survived the situation.
In addition to special exhibitions and gallery exhibitions, which are highlights several times a year, we also hold exhibition commentaries, talk events, screenings, and workshops for children.
The library hosts a collection of valuable books such as books and newspaper articles related to Hansen’s disease, bulletins of each sanitarium, and literary works by recoverers.
Next to the museum is Tama Zenshoen, a state-run leprosy sanitarium that was formerly established due to isolation policy.
Along with a tour of the museum, you can also visit historic sites in the garden lush with greenery, which is now a “human rights forest.”
(Advance application is required at the garden for tours with 20 or more people.)
