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The museum was opened on January 4, 1993, in the aim of passing on the lessons of Minamata disease to future generations. Since then, the museum has received184,823 visitors (as of June 1, 1999) from around Japan and overseas, and is generating keen interest in pollution problems. From our perspective, we hope to make more and more people aware of the issues surrounding Minamata disease.

Address:53 Myojin-cho, Minamata Kumamoto ZIP:867-0034 Tel: 0966-62-2621 Fax: 0966-62-2271 URL: http://www.minamata195651.jp/ Hours: 9:00 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. (admissions until 4:30 p.m.) Closed Mondays and days following National Holidays, closed also between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3. Admission: Free of charge

The objectives of the Minamata Disease Municipal Museum are as follows: to collect and display materials relating to Minamata disease; to provide an honest and sincere appraisal of the past and present situation of Minamata disease; to serve as a warning to future generations and express the sincere hope that environmental disasters like Minamata disease never occur again.

Within the museum, video presentations and display panels explain the various developments surrounding Minamata disease, from the outbreak of the disease through to the steps taken to tackle the problems created by Minamata disease. Information is presented chronologically and simply, such that one can learn about and come to understand Minamata disease from a wide range of perspectives. Working in conjunction with the adjacent Environmental Education and Intelligence Center, the museum promotes study of the environment and pollution, and enthusiastically hosts all kinds of school trips and group tours. It is our desire to contribute to the awareness of global environmental issues. We would like this museum to be both a source of information and a rallying point for citizens concerned about the environment.

MUSEUM LAYOUT 1. Overview of Minamata Disease 2. The History of Minamata Disease 3. Methyl Mercury and the Outbreak of Minamata Disease 4. Symptoms of Minamata Disease 5. Photos of Minamata Disease 6. Organic Mercury Poisoning Worldwide 7. Countermeasures to Minamata Disease 8. Future Challenges BOOKS AND MATERIALS (about 3,000 are available)

●Museum Features

1. The history etc. of Minamata disease is explained clearly and simply using images and display panels. The visual images are displayed using one large screen and 12 television monitors. These operate on a switch operated system so that visitors can watch them at will. 2. In October 1994, a narration system was established by Minamata disease sufferers whereby visitors hear directly from disease patients the stories of their experience. Visitors are then free to ask questions. This system has been well received since its inception and is utilized by many people from individuals to groups. 3. To allow more and more people to visit the facility, both entry into the museum and the narration system are free of charge. Furthermore, the museum is fully equipped with a free car park large enough to accommodate 20 full size buses.

●Narration System

Through the narration system, victims speak directly of their valuable personal experiences with regard to Minamata disease. The system was initiated as a way to promote the proper understanding of Minamata disease, and to have people recognize the dignity of living stalwartly, undefeated by the tragedy of Minamata disease. (October 1994)

●Content of Lectures

1. Minamata Bay since the occurrence [of Minamata disease] 2. Condition upon developing the disease 3. Condition of [one's own] father, mother, family 4. Regarding Discrimination (slander) 5. The lessons of Minamata disease 6. High [economic] growth 7. Changes in living environment amidst an affluent lifestyle Importance of nature, life, things Relationship between producers and consumers Safe foodstuffs Mass production, mass consumerism, mass waste 8. Questions At present, 3 narrators are speaking at the museum. NotesBreakdown of viewing time required within the museum. �T: 'Narration' talks require at least 30 minutes. Please advise us of your time requirements and we will adjust the lecture/tour time accordingly. �U: Information is presented using videos and display panels arranged over a set course. A rough viewing will require 20〜30 minutes. �V: The narration room accommodates approximately 100 people, so large groups of approximately 200 will be divided into 2 sessions and addressed separately. �W: For large groups (of around 200) wishing to be addressed in one session, it is possible to have 'narrators' sent out to different facilities around Minamata, but groups must visit the museum at some stage. �X: Course Course Narration Viewing of Museum 60 min. 30 min. 30 min. 90 min. 60 min. 30 min. 120 min. 70 min. 50 min.

●Application Procedure for Narration Sessions

Applications are accepted over the telephone, but please send a written request at a later date, in order to confirm your reservation. Further, as the narrators are not full time employees, we ask that you notify the museum promptly of any changes of date or time.

●Museum Displays

1. Overview of Minamata Disease (Large Screen) Film 11 min. 2. Narrative (Three Speakers) Video 7 min. 3. History of Minamata Disease Video 3 min. 45 sec. 4. History before Minamata Disease Video 2 min. 15 sec. 5. Official Recognition and Investigation of Cause Video 4 min. 20 sec. 6. Following Release of Official Government Opinion Video 3 min. 7. The Route towards Redress Video 5 min. 25 sec. 8. Methyl Mercury and the onset of Minamata Disease Video 2 min. 25 sec. 9. Symptoms of Minamata Disease Video 2 min. 15 sec. 10 Images of Minamata Disease Video 1 min. 45 sec. 11. Congenital Minamata Disease Video 2 min. 15 sec. 12. Ingestion of Mercury via Shellfish Video 2 min. 30 sec. Total 43 min. 40 sec.

●Requests for Minamata Disease Museum Materials

1. The following three pamphlets can be mailed out upon request �T: Minamata Municipal Minamata Disease Museum (Japanese or English) �U: Minamata Memorial (Bilingual - English and Japanese) �V: Minamata (Japanese or English ) 2. The following two videos are also available for loan upon request (Japanese Only) �T: A Message from Minamata - "Learn from the Past, Live for the Future" (For study tour use) �U: "Towards the Sea" �V: This rental video survice only in japan �W: The video tapes published in english are Ishida,Hamamoto,and Sugimoto's. �X: Request Procedure Written, fax and telephone requests are all accepted. Individuals requiring single pamphlets should enclose an \80 postage stamp with their request. Postage Required By(date) 1997,( month), (day) Postal Address 〒 - (post code) Addressee Name Telephone Details of Request Pamphlets (English / Japanese) 1. Minamata Disease Museum 2. Minamata Memorial 3. Minamata copies ( ) copies ( ) copies ( ) copies Details of Request Videos (Japanese Language Only) 1. "Learn from the Past, Live for the Future" 2. Towards the Sea Yes &　No Yes ・　No Yes ・　No Please Note 1. Pamphlets and Video Rental are free of charge. 2. A time limit of one month applies to video rentals.born by the recipient. ADRESS: 53Myojin_cho Minamata Kumamoto 867 TEL: 0966-63-2621 FAX: 0966-62-2271

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