CLOSING REMARKS

Closing remarks

In this exhibition, I have introduced activities to convey the realities of Minamata Disease in the Minamata and Ashikita regions. Looking back, I think that what I wanted you to understand most in this exhibition was the situation of the people who conveyed the message of Minamata disease. I wanted to tell you about their existence and charm as human beings. The other thing I wanted you to perceive was the power of place in the Minamata and Ashikita regions. I believe that something can be received directly from a place through the body. If you become interested in the Minamata and Ashikita regions after seeing this exhibition, please visit them yourself.

Finally, I would like to list some challenges for future activities to convey the realities of Minamata Disease.
– The number of victims and their families who can convey their experiences of Minamata disease is rapidly decreasing. It is necessary to quickly consider who and how to convey awareness about Minamata disease in the future.
– Society has changed drastically, and for today’s children, Minamata disease is not very different from the events of the Edo period. What measures should be taken to make them perceive the reality of Minamata disease?
– Local residents do not fully support activities to communicate about Minamata disease. Many people say, “I want you to stop talking about Minamata disease.” What can we do to help local residents recognize that communicating about Minamata Disease will improve Minamata’s image?
– The issue of Minamata disease has not been completely resolved, and there are still court cases seeking compensation. We must also carefully consider why such trials continue and communicate this to the public.

For those who want to know more

Institutions that provide information related to the study of Minamata disease
– Minamata Disease Municipal Museum
– Minamata Disease Information Center of the Ministry of the Environment
– General Incorporated Association For-By-With Minamata
– General Incorporated Foundation SOSHISHA, the Supporting Center for Minamata Disease
– General Incorporated Association Kan-Shiranui Planning
– The Open Research Center for Minamata Studies, Kumamoto Gakuen University
– Minamata Disease Health Care Affair Division, Department of Environment and Residential Life, Kumamoto Prefecture