Saisei-Gakusha and Hideyo Noguchi's Temporary Return to Japan

Abstract

During the period from September 5 to November 4, 1915 (Taisho 4), the bacteriologist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi temporarily returned to Japan after living and working in the United States for 15 years. This article discusses the many lectures he delivered during his visit, particularly those at the alumni meeting of Saisei-Gakusha, the institution from which he graduated, and the Mita Speech Meeting at Keio University. Additionally, this paper provides an overview of Saisei-Gakusha, a private medical school from the Meiji era that later became the predecessor of Nippon Medical School, highlighting its founding philosophy of "Saisei" (to save lives). It also introduces materials such as Noguchi's handwritten Curriculum Vitae and Autograph, which he prepared while studying abroad at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. Furthermore, we examine an article from The New York Times reporting on Noguchi's serious illness several years after his return to the United States, as well as related articles from Japanese newspapers. We also present a thank-you postcard and a business card sent by Noguchi to his close friend Dr. Shinichi Wani, a fellow alumnus of Saisei-Gakusha, illustrating their enduring friendship. These materials reflect Noguchi's meticulous nature, thoughtful personality, and warm character, as seen through his relationship with his dear friend Wani.

Keywords: Hideyo Noguchi; Saisei-Gakusha; The New York Times; newsprint; temporary return.