It’s been more than six decades since the discovery of Minamata disease, a neurological disorder that resulted from the toxic dumping of methylmercury into Kumamoto Prefecture’s Minamata Bay and Shiranui Sea by chemical company Chisso Corp.
Thousands of locals who consumed contaminated seafood became ill with symptoms that include ataxia, numbness, sensory loss and muscle weakness. In extreme cases, it led to insanity, coma and death.
The incident is one of the most horrific examples of industrial pollution the world has seen, and its effects are still being felt today. A lack of government and corporate responsibility remains an issue as victims continue to fight for their right for a fair financial settlement.