Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum

Tsuruga Port was developed as an international port to connect Japan and Europe via the Siberian Railway from the Meiji Period through early Showa Period. In the 1920s, Polish orphans came here who lost families in Siberia during the chaos of the Russian Revolution. In the 1940s, Jewish refugees landed here who were saved with the “Visa for Life” issued by Chiune Sugihara. Tsuruga Port bore the mission as the Port of Humanity. From that perspective, Tsuruga Museum shares the message on the worth of life and preciousness of peace - the history behind the orphans and refugees who landed here, people who offered them help, Tsuruga residents who welcomed them, based on the historical facts, words of Tsuruga residents and episodes.

2020 was the 100 year anniversary of Polish orphans’ landing and the 80 year anniversary of Visa for Life issuance. The Museum added more contents and made a renewal open. Four buildings such as the train station which existed at Tsuruga Port, a custom’s inspection office, etc. were recreated at the original locations so visitors could experience the ambience of Tsuruga Port back then. Besides the permanent exhibition with a theater and panel displays, special exhibitions are held from time to time.