Academic inheritance(6)
Luis de Almeida: Founder of Western Surgery
Luís de Almeida, who studied medicine in Portugal, his mother country, was also a merchant and he came to Japan to engage in trade. He proposed to Otomo Yoshishige (Sorin), who was the feudal lord of Funai in Bungo, building an orphanage and hospital. While working with Jesuit missionaries, he became one himself.
In 1557, with the understanding of Otomo Sorin and using his own wealth, he established a hospital in Funai consisting of a leprosy ward and a general ward. Almeida studied medicinal plants while personally taking charge of the surgical department and teaching surgery clinically.
Related Spots
Monument to the Introduction of Western Medicine
This statue is a monument to the first Western-style surgery performed in Japan. It depicts Luís de Almeida beginning the operation with a Japanese assistant.
Location: Otemachi, Oita-shi, Oita (Yuho Park)
PH: 097-537-7043 (Oita City Tourism Division)
Website: Oita City Tourist Association (Japanese Only)
https://www.oishiimati-oita.jp/spots/detail/173
Closed: Visitation is available everyday
Admission: Free
Transportation: 15 min walk from JR Oita Station
2 min walk from “Kencho Seimon-mae” bus stop
Approx. 17 min from Higashi-Kyushu Expressway Oita Interchange
Parking: Unavailable
Monument of Nursery Home and Milk
This sculpture commemorates the fact that Luís de Almeida built an orphanage in Funai and that cow’s milk was drunk there.
Location: Otemachi, Oita-shi, Oita (Yuho Park)
PH: 097-537-7043 (Oita City Tourism Division)
Website: Oita City Tourist Association
(Japanese Only)
https://www.oishiimati-oita.jp/spots/detail/296
Closed: Visitation is available everyday
Admission: Free
Transportation: 15 min walk from JR Oita Station
2 min walk from “Kencho Seimon-mae” bus stop
Approx. 17 min from Higashi-Kyushu Expressway Oita Interchange
Parking: Unavailable