Islands of Shame
In 1907 Japan enacted the Leprosy Prevention Law.
Under this new segregation law, and despite the fact that a cure had been developed and
drug therapy could allow leprosy patients to live in society, Japanese authorities forced
thousands of patients to be confined in sanatoriums. Japan's lepers remained quarantined until the law was repealed in 1996. Since allowed to leave, very few have left, since they have no place to go and no families awaiting their return. Most of the colonies were set up on islands, chosen for the many advantages they offered for segregation.
Read MoreUnder this new segregation law, and despite the fact that a cure had been developed and
drug therapy could allow leprosy patients to live in society, Japanese authorities forced
thousands of patients to be confined in sanatoriums. Japan's lepers remained quarantined until the law was repealed in 1996. Since allowed to leave, very few have left, since they have no place to go and no families awaiting their return. Most of the colonies were set up on islands, chosen for the many advantages they offered for segregation.
