Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum

The Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum (人道の港 敦賀ムゼウム, Jindō no Minato Tsuruga) in Fukui Prefecture tells the powerful stories of refugees who passed through this quiet coastal city in search of safety and hope. Housed in reconstructed port buildings, the museum’s main exhibit honors the bravery of Sugihara Chiune, a Japanese diplomat who defied government orders during World War II by issuing thousands of transit visas to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. These “visas for life” allowed hundreds of families to cross the Soviet Union to Vladivostok, where they boarded ships to Japan—many arriving in Tsuruga before continuing on to safer destinations. Through photographs, documents, and personal testimonies, visitors gain a deep appreciation for this remarkable act of humanitarian courage.

Another section of the museum highlights an earlier chapter of Tsuruga’s compassionate history: the arrival of Polish orphans in the 1920s, displaced by war and turmoil. Welcomed by the local community, their story is conveyed through heartfelt narratives, historical artifacts, and interactive displays that emphasize the kindness and empathy of the people of Tsuruga. The museum offers a moving experience that celebrates resilience, compassion, and the enduring power of doing what is right—even in the face of great risk.