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

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.

After World War II

Number of patients