Abstract
This study examines the emotions formed within the community of families whose children were
victims of the Morinaga arsenic milk poisoning incident, as well as the processes through which these emotions
transformed. The analysis is conducted from two perspectives: emotional history and phenomenological qualitative
research. The purpose of this study is to clarify how better support can be provided by examining the impact of
these experiences on community practice. The primary source analyzed is The Morinaga Milk Incident History
(1957), compiled by Tetsuo Okazaki, a leader of the self-help movement. Focusing on narrative content and form,
the analysis explores the diverse emotions expressed in the text, including anger, anxiety, despair, loneliness, and
solidarity. The findings reveal layered emotional structures, encompassing both articulated and unarticulated
emotions, shared emotions and emotional disconnections, as well as conflicts between victims’ families and
supporters such as professionals. These findings suggest that the verbalization of victimization experiences
through historical documents holds significance as a form of “proof of life.” Moreover, they indicate the potential of
emotional history research to deepen understanding of emotions and to inform alternative forms of support in
interpersonal assistance.
https://ror.org/03qyehc05 
