🗺️ Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum野口英世記念館

The Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum was opened in 1939 to commemorate the achievements of this renowned medical scientist. Noguchi Hideyo (1876–1928) was born by Lake Inawashiro and is famous worldwide for his research and findings on diseases such as yellow fever and syphilis. He made significant accomplishments in research in the United States and Central and South America, and was nominated for the Nobel Prize multiple times. Unfortunately, his life was cut short at the age of 51 when he contracted the virus while studying yellow fever in Africa. The museum consists of the house where Noguchi Hideyo was born and an exhibition room. The exhibition room introduces Noguchi's life and research achievements through a wealth of photographs, artifacts, and accessible displays such as robots. Additionally, there are educational and entertaining interactive exhibits that allow families to learn about Noguchi's research findings through games. The house where Noguchi Hideyo was born is a traditional residence from the late Edo period, which has been preserved in its original state, retaining traces of his life there. Among the notable features is a hearth where Noguchi, at about one and a half years old, accidentally fell in and severely burned his left hand, as well as an inscription on the beams that reads "If I do not succeed, I will not set foot on this land again," which he carved before moving to Tokyo for his studies.

Originally named Kiyosaku Noguchi, he changed his name to Heisuke Noguchi to avoid being confused with the protagonist "Kiyosaku Noguchi" from the popular novel "Tōseishosei no Kizuna," who willingly falls into depravity. Beneath the "Heisuke Noguchi Birthplace Monument," the hair of Heisuke, brought from the United States, is buried. There is also a display of "Mama SHIKA's Letter." This is a famous family letter written by Heisuke's mother to her son.