Minamata Disease Municipal Museum

In a quiet corner of Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, stands a building with a crucial mission. Opened in January 1993, the Minamata Disease Municipal Museum (水俣市立水俣病資料館) continues to welcome numerous visitors, serving as a place to pass on the memory of Minamata disease – known as Japan’s worst pollution-related tragedy – to future generations and to advocate for the importance of environmental protection and human rights.

Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by a simple yet profound exhibition space. Here, the history of Minamata disease, from its outbreak to the present day, is meticulously presented through photographs, documents, and video testimonies. The exhibits are explained in both Japanese and English, conveying Minamata’s experience to visitors from around the world.

On the second floor, a theater room with a 150-inch screen shows documentary footage about Minamata disease. Through these visuals, visitors can learn about the suffering and struggles of the victims, as well as Minamata’s journey towards recovery.

However, perhaps the most valuable “exhibit” in this museum is the living voices of the people. The “storyteller” program, which began in October 1994, is a unique initiative where victims of Minamata disease and their families directly share their experiences. Currently, ten storytellers relate their personal experiences to visitors by appointment. Their words convey the reality of Minamata disease more deeply and vividly than any statistic or photograph could.

Within the museum grounds, there is also a memorial facility called “Minamata Memorial.” Here, monuments such as the “Fountain of Prayer,” “Terrace,” and “Memorial Sphere” have been installed, providing a quiet place to remember the victims.

The Minamata Disease Municipal Museum is not merely a showcase of the past. It is a place of learning to apply past lessons to the future and a starting point for contemplating environmental and human rights issues. Throughout the year, many students, researchers, and members of the general public visit to learn from Minamata’s experience.

Since its opening, the museum has welcomed about 700,000 visitors from more than 175 countries. These numbers testify that this tragedy is not just a local issue but a lesson to be shared by people worldwide.

As they leave the museum, many visitors carry heavy hearts. However, at the same time, they recognize more strongly than ever the importance of environmental protection and respect for human rights. The Minamata Disease Municipal Museum is an invaluable place that, while facing a sad past, provides us with hints for creating a better future.

Getting there

By Car

• Free parking is available for 15 buses and 272 general vehicles.

By Air

1. Take a bus from Kagoshima Airport to Minamata Station.
2. The fare is 1,700 yen.

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on Mondays.
Admission	Free
Phone	+81 966-62-2621
Address	1-53 Myojincho, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0055
Official Website	https://minamata195651.jp/