A New Sanitarium in Japan by W. C. DUNSCOMBE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1909

A New Sanitarium in Japan

By W. C. DUNSCOMBE

A new sanitarium for the Japanese has just been opened in Kobe. It has long been felt that a sanitarium for the Japanese was more important than one for the foreigners. So about three years ago Dr. Kiku Noma, who was at that time working with Dr. S. A. Lockwood in the foreign sanitarium, decided to step out by faith and start sanitarium work for the natives. With a few dollars, and a small salary guaranteed by the Mission Board for a few months, she hired a native house, and with a pail and some fomentation cloths started the work. This little institution they called the Eisei-in (Hygienic Institute).

At first the Japanese were very adverse to water treatments, as their physicians use drugs almost entirely; but gradually our methods won favor. The small building originally occupied soon proved inadequate, and the workers rented all the buildings in the small block in which the work first started. Although these buildings were connected, and somewhat modified for sanitarium purposes, they proved unsatisfactory, and the rooms were not suitable for the better class of patients.

The blessing of the Lord attended the work which was carried forward under these difficult conditions; and the patronage continued to increase, until they were compelled to rent another small building a block away. Through the efforts of the workers in this institution, many have been brought into the truth, and the Kobe church has been strengthened. For a long time these faithful workers hoped and prayed for a new institution in which they could prosecute their work under more favorable conditions. The Mission Board at home was not able to help, because of lack of funds. However, through the providence of God, the way was opened.

The daughter of a rich Japanese gentleman came to the Eisei-in for treatment. She had been brought up in a Roman Catholic convent, and was a devout Catholic. While at this institution, she regained her health, and accepted present truth. She speaks English and French fluently, besides her native tongue, and has proved to be a valuable worker. She and Miss Young are now conducting a school for Japanese children; and as they teach, they endeavor to inculcate true Bible principles. The father of this sister, being very grateful for the physical help his daughter received, advanced the money to build a new sanitarium, notwithstanding the fact that it is now hard times here, and money is very scarce. The building, equipment, and land cost about twenty thousand dollars in American money.

The building is constructed in a modified Japanese style. Instead of low Japanese ceilings, the rooms have high ceilings and large windows, thus insuring good air and sunlight. As the building overlooks the sea, there is almost always a refreshing breeze, even during the hot summer months. The old institution was on lower ground, and so shut in by houses that the summer weather seemed very oppressive. The new building was erected in three or four months, which is very quick work for Japanese. As soon as the building was finished, it was filled with patients, and I have no doubt that under the improved conditions the institution will enjoy a far larger patronage than ever before. The institution is independent financially; but Dr. Noma and the nurses being earnest Christians, I believe that the institution will be conducted solely in the interests of this third angel's message.

W. C. DUNSCOMBE, M. D.