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Florence Nightingale: Japanese Manga Icon

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Nightingale has been a popular figure in Japanese educational literature since a translation of her life story was first published in 1890. During the twentieth century Nightingale she became a popular subject for manga biographies. These are aimed at young female readers and present her as a role model.

In Japan her story is associated with heroic ideals including moral virtue and perseverance. Nightingale has also inspired fantastical fictional characters appearing in series such as ‘Hokago no Charisma’ (2009-2014) and games including ‘Fate/Grand Order’ (2015-present).

Florence Nightingale Museum Collection

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Nightingale is respected worldwide for her pioneering role in developing the nursing profession, her statistical work, and her evidence-based approach to healthcare. In honour of her bicentenary the World Health Organisation have named 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

In our special exhibition, you will find out about objects, people and places which tell interesting stories about Florence’s life and legacy. You’ll discover artefacts from her life, people she both inspired and challenged, and places she helped to shape. There’s many more insights too!

Please click on the different sections of her famous coxcomb diagram to explore various aspects of her life and legacy. We hope you enjoy exploring!