Short Abstract

This study examines Soichi Iwashita (1889–1940), the 6th director of Koyama Fukusei Hospital. I focus on his philosophy and praxis from 1930–1940 to clarify how his principles guided leprosy relief. Future research will explore how patients reclaimed their dignity through his mission.

Long Abstract

This presentation examines the intellectual foundations of Soichi Iwashita (1889–1940), a leading figure in Japanese Catholicism and the sixth director of Koyama Fukusei Hospital. Known as a "great authority" of the Church, Iwashita dedicated the final decade of his life (1930–1940) to the care of leprosy patients. This study focuses on his tenure as director, exploring how his personal philosophy translated into concrete action within the practical setting of the hospital.

The analysis first investigates Iwashita’s perception of leprosy and its sufferers within the "spirit of the age" (Zeitgeist) of the 1930s. During this period of intensified social segregation, this study clarifies the core principles that guided Iwashita’s mission. It then examines how he implemented these ideas through his direct involvement in hospital management and patient care, seeking to understand the unique characteristics of his praxis.

Furthermore, this research provides a foundation for future inquiry into the perspectives of the patients themselves. It raises the question of how those under Iwashita’s care perceived his mission and through what process they began to reclaim their human dignity. In conclusion, this presentation re-evaluates Iwashita’s legacy not only as a religious thinker but as an individual whose intellectual convictions and practical actions offered a significant counter-perspective to the social realities of his time. By highlighting the potential for spiritual and social restoration, this study offers vital insights into the history of leprosy relief in modern Japan.