Former Shitsu Aid Center

Driven by his desire to save the people of Sotome from poverty, Father

de Rotz established the Former Shitsu Aid Center, making it indispensable

when discussing the history and culture of the region.

In 1879, Father Marc Marie de Rotz, a French missionary who was

assigned to Sotome, introduced a variety of farming, fishing, medical,

and educational programs to rescue local residents from their plight.

Founded in 1883, the Former Shitsu Aid Center was a welfare and

vocational training facility for women. It was established with the

cooperation of members of the Society of St. Joseph, which was formed

and trained by Father de Rotz himself. In December 2003, these facilities

were designated as Nationally Important Cultural Properties, recognized

as valuable surviving structures of early Meiji-period childbirth and

social welfare.