Matsuoka Hoyoen Sanatorium


The Matsuoka Hoyoen Sanatorium or National Sanatorium Matsuoka Hoyoen is a sanatorium for leprosy and ex-leprosy patients situated in Aomori, Aomori, Japan that opened in 1909.

History

The Japanese Government promulgated the first leprosy prevention law on March 19, 1907, which took effect on April 1, 1909. Japan was divided into 5 areas. The second area included Hokkaido, Miyagi Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, Yamagata Prefecture and Akita Prefecture. In this area, Aomori was selected for the sanatorium.
Foreigners who came into Japan after the Meiji Restoration were surprised to find leprosy patients in public areas in Japan. The Japanese Government was worried about the many leprosy patients among those who were examined for the draft at age 20.

Timeline

The following table shows the number of patients held at the Sanatorium in selected years.
YearNumber of in-patients
1945711
1950605
1955710
1960719
1965674
1970598
1975552
1980495
1985440
1990384
1995312
1999261
2003205
2004189
2005176
2006161
2007152
2008147