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◆ Message from Dr. Hinohara of St. Luke Hospital 70 years after World War II

[Sumida Fireworks] 12:00 on October 9, 2015

St. Luke International Hospital in Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku. Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, the honorary director of this hospital, turned 104 on October 4. Dr. Hinohara was appointed to this hospital in August 1941, just before Pacific War, and has been active in medical care for more than 70 years.

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This fall, Professor Hinohara wrote a book entitled "War, Life and St. Luke's International Hospital Story."

I found this book at a bookstore and looked at the picture on the cover and found it at a glance, I was lined up at the cash register. Looking at the inside, the characters are printed in large prints, and the kanji is furigana. Yes, this book is written for the younger generation who will lead the future.

Through the history of St. Luke's International Hospital and Dr. Hinohara's own experience, this content conveys Professor Hinohara's desire to pass on the value of war and peace to the next generation.

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Since St. Luke International Hospital was opened by Dr. Toysler in 1902, medical care centered on the spirit of Christianity has been carried out. At the same time, since it is a hospital closely connected to the United States, he has been forced into a delicate position before and after the opening of the Pacific War.

When the war broke out, the name of the hospital was changed and the cross was removed. Not only the hospital but also Dr. Hinohara himself is suspicious, and he is interrogated by Ken soldiers. After the end of the war, the building was managed by GHQ, and this hospital was tossed in the era of war. Such history and experience are written.

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In addition, it is often said that the area around Tsukiji was not hit by a major air raid due to the presence of St. Luke Hospital, but many photographs were published in this book, such as leaflets scattered from the United States Air Force aircraft that prove it. It is also noteworthy that it is. I think it is a content that can be read not only by the younger generation but also by all generations in men and women of all ages, and as one of the wartime history of Chuo-ku, it is also a content that allows you to learn about the history of this hospital.

(The photo below shows a photo of the Sumida River displayed at the "Kachidoki Bridge Museum". The old building before the renovation was shown. )

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The day after reading this book, my feet were heading to the old building of St. Luke's International Hospital. It's been a long time since I entered the chapel inside.

St. Luke International Hospital has a connection to me, helping my father-in-law who fell down due to myocardial infarction in Ginza about 15 years ago, and taking care of my family this winter. Especially when you come to the garden in front of this old building, it may be a relaxing place.

 

It is this place where you can feel peaceful air now, but there are places where traces of wartime remain.

Next to the entrance of this old building Chapel (left photo), it is Sada foundation stone from the 1930s when this old building was built.

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For this stone

「ST.LUKE'S INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

DEDICATED TO THE GLORY OF GOD

AND THE SERVICE OF HUMANITY」

And the translation is written as "St. Luke's International Hospital for the glory of God and the service of humanity."

s_hanabi25-6.jpgThe old building was renovated in the 1990s, so this Sada foundation stone was originally in a different place. There are 12 traces of nail holes on this stone, which is traces of wartime. He was forced by the Ken soldiers to remove this stone, so it seems to be a scar when he was covered with thin granite as a response.

 

In addition, a chronology of this hospital is posted on the first floor of the main building next to the old building, so that you can see the history.

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This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. Even in politics, there was a big event that made me think about war and peace.

 

As time has passed since the end of the war, I feel that it is becoming increasingly difficult to think about War and Peace.

The long night of autumn when sunset is early. It might be a good idea to read this kind of book.