On the morning of November 17th, participants arrived at Moji Port in Kyushu aboard a ferry and then traveled by bus to Minamata. Although they had studied Minamata disease beforehand at ARI, visiting Minamata had a profoundly different impact on them.
Upon arriving in Minamata, they first heard from Mr. Matsuki, a former Minamata City government employee. He worked with the mayor to rebuild connections within a broken community. Minamata residents had many issues – one of them was mistrust among those who were direct victims and those who could make a living either directly or indirectly through Chisso company. There are so many complex issues, but hearing from a government official was interesting for participants. I am sure through some of their questions, they feel that the government is not doing anything or enough. But it is important to consider this role as well – especially as leaders who will have to consider various perspectives.
After that they visited Soshisha- private Minamata disease Museum. Soshisha is an organization that has supported Minamata disease victims in raising their voices against Chisso and the government. Mr. Yoshinaga, our guide, shared more details about the disease, especially as people who supported the Minamata disease victims to raise their voice against Chisso and the government. Who was affected, why the disease amplified, and how stigma has endured in many ways. He ended the sharing by imploring participants to be good leaders for their people; who seek to learn and see for themselves, the ground realities.
For that night, they have all reached their 14 host families.
On the second day, participants had a tour of Minamata along with our guide, Mr. Umeda. They learned a lot about the courage of Minamata people and their desire to fight for justice. It was a new learning for staff as well, since they heard Mr. Umeda’s personal stories. He shared the three big causes of the disease. The small cause being the presence of methyl mercury as a pollutant. The secondary cause is the magnification of mercury and spread through polluted fish. The final and biggest cause of the disease was the fact that they continued to pollute the water for over 30 years, even after knowing that it’s dangerous. This is the human ego. One that sees the impact only from one perspective. He implored all participants to look at the context, the reasons, and make decisions based on the whole picture – which includes the realities of the community.
After this they heard a testimony from Ms. Shinobu Sakamoto. She is a congenital Minamata disease patient. She shared her life story and her journey in representing the voice of many who suffer from the disease – including those who are not officially recognized as Minamata Disease patients. People were moved by her determination to go to school, to go to many places, and to share her story. It was a good learning opportunity for all of them.
At the last, participants visited Karatachi and heard from Ms. Nahoko Osawa – their program organizer in Minamata. She shared about how this connection has been held for 45 years and how happy she is to be the 2nd generation supporter for Minamata people (the activities were started by Nahoko’s parents) and person connecting ARI with Minamata.
The day ended with a fellowship party which included all host families. We had music, dance and good food! All of us really appreciate their warm welcome and hospitality.
