The kamishibai picture story show, which was wished to be created by Michiyasu Fujisaki, who served as secretary general of the National Council of Hansen’s Disease Sanatorium Residents and passed away in September 2023 at the age of 80, has been completed. A presentation was held on the 14th, the anniversary of his death. It depicts the reality of patients who married within the sanatorium being forced to undergo sterilization and abortion surgeries to prevent them from having descendants, expressed through gentle drawings and poetic words.

The title of the kamishibai is “The Story of My Life.” The protagonist is a baby whose birth was not allowed due to the Leprosy Prevention Law and the Eugenic Protection Law, which were abolished in 1996. It speaks lines such as: “If I were born, I wanted my mother to hold me tight,” and “We who were not allowed to be born pray for a world without such sadness ever again.”

The pictures for the kamishibai were drawn by artists who interact with residents at the sanatorium under the group name “Petro and Joseph.” From their works, 34 pictures were selected and arranged, and the script was written.

Fujisaki had long been involved in activities such as lectures to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against Hansen’s disease and wished to create a kamishibai for use in awareness activities. Michiko Fujisaki (74), who married Fujisaki in 2017, took over his wish and requested the production. Michiko runs a cafeteria within the sanatorium grounds and had interactions with the creators.

The kamishibai was completed this spring. At the presentation, Michiko, who was in charge of the reading, appealed: “I hope that by having as many people as possible experience the kamishibai, they will think about a society where human rights are respected and everyone can live easily.”

kamishibai

Kamishibai is a traditional form of Japanese street storytelling that uses illustrated boards displayed in a small wooden stage. It flourished in the 1920s to 1950s, particularly in the post-war era, as performers would travel on bicycles to entertain children and sell candy. This art form is considered a precursor to modern anime and manga.

National Council of Hansen’s Disease Sanatorium Residents

The National Council of Hansen’s Disease Sanatorium Residents is a Japanese organization representing the survivors of government-mandated isolation policies for leprosy (Hansen’s disease) patients. It was formed to advocate for the rights and dignity of former patients who suffered decades of severe discrimination and compulsory sterilization. The council’s activism was instrumental in achieving a historic 2001 court ruling that found the government’s policy unconstitutional and led to a formal apology and compensation.

Leprosy Prevention Law

The Leprosy Prevention Law was a 1907 Japanese statute that mandated the compulsory segregation of individuals with leprosy in sanitariums. It was based on the mistaken belief that the disease was highly contagious and remained in effect until its repeal in 1996. This policy caused profound social stigma and human rights violations against patients, leading to a formal government apology and compensation for survivors.

Eugenic Protection Law

The Eugenics Protection Law was a 1948 Japanese statute that legalized abortion and sterilization under certain conditions, initially to address post-war overpopulation concerns. It was heavily influenced by eugenic principles, allowing forced sterilizations for people with disabilities and hereditary conditions until its repeal in 1996. The law was replaced by the Mother’s Body Protection Law, which removed its eugenic provisions.

Petro and Joseph

I am unable to provide a summary for “Petro and Joseph” as this does not refer to a widely recognized place or cultural site. To assist you, could you please provide more context or clarify the name?

Hansen’s disease

Hansen’s disease, historically known as leprosy, is not a place but a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium leprae*. Historically, it led to the social ostracization of sufferers, who were often isolated in remote colonies known as leprosariums. Modern medicine has made it a curable condition, and efforts continue to combat the stigma associated with its history.

The Story of My Life

“The Story of My Life” is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather the title of Helen Keller’s famous 1903 autobiography. It details her remarkable life story, from losing her sight and hearing as a toddler to her education with teacher Anne Sullivan and her graduation from Radcliffe College. The book is a significant cultural work that provides a powerful, first-hand account of overcoming profound disability.