Okinawa Airakuen Sanatorium
The Okinawa Airakuen Sanatorium, also known as the National Sanatorium Okinawa Airakuen, is a facility for current or former leprosy patients located in Nago, Okinawa. It was established in 1938. Here is a summary of its history: History History before the sanatorium Major events November 10, 1938: The Okinawa Prefectural Kunigami Airakuen Sanatorium first opened. It was later renamed the National Kunigami Airakuen Sanatorium in April 1941. April 25, 1946: The sanatorium came under the administration of the United States Military Government April 1, 1952: Control of the sanatorium was transferred to the newly established Ryukyu Government August 26, 1961: The Leprosy Prevention Law was enacted in Okinawa. May 15, 1972: Okinawa was returned to Japan, and the sanatorium was renamed the National Sanatorium Okinawa Airakuen. April 1, 1996: The Leprosy Prevention Law was abolished. World War II During World War II, the Japanese army admitted a significant number of new leprosy patients to the sanatorium, resulting in overcrowding, food shortages, and poor living conditions. In April 1945, as the Battle of Okinawa began, the director of the sanatorium allowed patients to leave to avoid the battle. By the end of April, the sanatorium had been occupied by US forces.