Most mission boards ceased some time ago to send medical missionaries to Japan, because there is now a large number of well-trained Japanese physicians, and this number is being augmented each year by the graduates of the medical department of the Imperial University and other well-equipped medical schools.
Some of the physicians who came here as missionaries years ago, are now in private practice among the foreigners, some have returned home, and some have devoted their time to other branches of missionary work.
BIBLE-SELLING IN THE STREETS OF JAPAN
By permission of the American Bible Society
Nevertheless, we were convinced soon after our arrival in Japan that we had not been mistaken in supposing this to be a field where medical missionary work is greatly needed. To be sure, there are numerous hospitals in the large cities, and physicians not a few, but in the work which we came to represent, we find ourselves practically alone.
The W. C. T. U. is doing a good work, but as far as we are able to learn, the Japanese physicians are doing but little to educate the people concerning the evils resulting from the use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and other health-destroying habits. The Japanese government passed a law three years ago prohibiting the use of tobacco by minors. Yet many manage to evade this law, and when they become of age, there is scarcely a man or woman who does not use it. The dietetic habits of a large number of the people are such that it is a marvel the race still exists. It is not a marvel that seven tenths of the population suffer from digestive disorders.
When we consider that the majority of these people are yet in heathen darkness, can it be said that the day has passed in Japan for medical missionary work to be needed?
Where and how to begin work for these people whose language we did not understand were questions not easily answered. One thing above all others seemed necessary, and that was to acquire the language as soon as possible. The Lord has blessed us in this work, and though what we have done is only a beginning, we are of good courage that we shall be able to master it in time.
Tokyo being the Mecca for Japanese from all parts of the empire, it was thought best at first to begin our work here. Dr. Kumashiro, a member of our church, came from Nagasaki to work with us; but in spite of the fact that a diligent search was made throughout the city of Tokyo, no suitable place for establishing offices and treatment rooms could be secured. Twice we thought the matter almost settled, but the landlords refused at the last moment because no sick people were wanted on their premises.
In February letters began to come to us from some of the foreign residents of Kobe, four hundred miles southwest of Tokyo. There seemed to be so many persons there who were interested in sanitarium work, and who wished to consult us, that we visited the city, in company with Elder Field, early in March. We found the interest even greater than we had estimated it to be. Both among the missionaries and among the business people, there were many who were quite well acquainted with the good work done by the Battle Creek Sanitarium, and who expressed themselves in no uncertain terms concerning their desire to see established in Japan an institution where they could be treated in the same manner as at that institution.
Among others, we met a Methodist missionary who had but recently returned from a year's visit to his home in America. Now his health has failed, and he is again obliged to return to the United States. He told us that if he had not disposed of his household goods, he would place himself under our care, for he felt sure that we could help him. He said, “Why, doctor, there are scores of people here in Japan, in Korea, and in North China, who would be glad to come to you if you had a place to receive them.” “Succeed? — You can not help but succeed unless you are determined not to;” and similar remarks were heard from others.
Kobe is called the “Sanitarium of Japan” by many of the foreigners who have visited that place, and when we examined the natural advantages which it offers, it seemed that God had guided us to the place of his own choosing. It seemed incumbent upon us to do something16toward providing a place where we could answer the appeals being made by these people, and we began to search for a building. This time our search was not in vain. A good property near the northern edge of the city was placed at our disposal, if we wished it after the first of June, and after careful consideration it was thought best by all the brethren on the committee to lease this house and grounds for a time.
The house has been used as a private boarding-house during the last five years, and with a few changes it will be admirably adapted to our purpose. Besides having offices and treatment rooms, we shall be able to accommodate several patients in the building. Dr. Kumashiro and several Japanese nurses whom we have in training will go with us to Kobe, and through them we hope to accomplish something for the Japanese people, even before we know the language. We are thankful for these evidences that God is going before us, and our daily prayer is that we may be faithful light bearers in this dark land.
