The San’ya district (the name was removed from most maps about 40 years
ago) is often called a town of day laborers. Most residents have worked
manual labor and the town has largely been composed strictly of men.
Given the harsh environment, many men living in Sanya drink daily and do
not have the opportunity to develop relationships with women. This environment
shapes the rules that guide residents’ lives and there are many people
whose lifestyles result in physical damage. For example, cirrhosis of the
liver, hypertension, burns, and injuries are common and there are many
people who do not seek treatment.
As a response to these social problems, Sanyukai was opened in 1984, primarily
providing a medical clinic. A two floor wooden building near Tamahime Park
was rented and with the clinic operating on the second floor, meals were
provided to over 100 persons on the first floor. At that time in the building
there was only a small heater, wind would blow into the room, and mice
would run about. Also, during the winter, we borrowed an old kindergarten
building in Asakusa to provide a place to sleep for about 40 people who
would otherwise be without housing.
In 1985, we rented a different building near Minowa Station as a place
for seniors to drop in and gather. Gradually, the number of patients seeking
treatment at the Sanyu Clinic increased, as did the number of volunteer
doctors and nurses. As a result of an increase in number of people coming
for free meals, local residents began to complain, and Sanyukai needed
to secure an appropriate location to provide services.
In 1989, Sanyukai purchased a lot and built a three story ferroconcrete
building. Inside, we built a consultation room, a clinic, and a place in
which seniors could gather and then moved from our previous location.
After that, as Japan’s economy underwent changes, the amount of work that
day laborers can participate in declined, and unemployed persons in their
50s and 60s began flowing to the area around San’ya. Also, people living
in tents along the Sumida River and those living on the streets in harsh
conditions increased and the decline in their physical condition stood
out. As a result, the number of people coming to the clinic has been increasing
yearly.
With the number of people needing assistance increasing, Sanyukai could
not provide an adequate response on its own. Therefore, in order to collaborate
more with other groups such as private support groups, local ward offices,
hospitals, and welfare facilities, in April of 2002, Sanyukai incorporated
as a private nonprofit organization.
Sanyukai currently has 10 staff members and is engaging in its activities
with the help of approximately 175 volunteers. Among these volunteers,
there are 11 doctors, and approximately 10 nurses. In order for people
who have to live on the streets to maintain a humane existence, we hope
to continue providing support with the assistance of our volunteers regardless
of religion or nationality.
In April of 2002, Sanyukai incorporated as a private, nonprofit organization
(NPO). However, even after incorporating as an NPO, Sanyuukai cannot expect
help from the national government. So financially, without the support
of a great number of people, it would be extremely difficult to continue
our efforts. We are greatly appreciative of your continued support.
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