Japan Environment Minister Apologizes to Minamata Disease Victims

Environment Minister Ishihara Hirotaka apologized to Minamata disease victims on Friday for past administrative failures during a meeting in Minamata City ^[1].

The meeting comes as Japan marks 70 years since the official confirmation of the disease ^[2]. This milestone underscores the ongoing struggle for medical compensation and the government's effort to address historical grievances regarding the treatment of victims.

Ishihara met with victim groups, including representatives such as Shigemitsu Matsuzaki, near the Minamata Disease Information Center and the memorial service site at Eco Park Minamata ^[1], ^[3]. During the discussions, the minister addressed a past incident where a microphone was cut off during a public session.

"Regarding the inappropriate management of cutting off the microphone audio midway, I offer my apologies once again. I am very sorry," Ishihara said ^[1].

Beyond the apology, the minister indicated a policy to review medical allowances for those affected by the mercury poisoning ^[1], ^[4]. He said that the government intends to listen sufficiently to the voices of the participants ^[3].

Reports regarding the timing of the minister's visit vary. Some sources state Ishihara first visited Minamata City on April 30 ^[2], while other reports focus on the meetings held on May 1 ^[1], ^[4].

Minamata disease was caused by the release of methylmercury in industrial wastewater, which entered the food chain through fish and shellfish. The resulting neurological syndrome caused severe disability and death for thousands of people in Kumamoto Prefecture.