4 : WHAT KIND OF COMPANY WAS CHISSO?

Chisso began as a hydroelectric power company in 1908, late in the Meiji period (1868-1912). It built a carbide factory which used this electricity, and before long began producing chemical fertilizers, becoming one of Japan�fs major chemical companies.

As Chisso grew, so did Minamata. Its population increased, and Minamata became one of the leading industrial cities in Kumamoto prefecture. A former factory director served as mayor, and both Chisso�fs influence on the region and the residents�f dependence on Chisso grew.

In addition to chemical fertilizers, Chisso produced acetic acid, vinyl chloride, and the plasticizers that were necessary in their production. Chisso became one of the companies that made Japan�fs rapid postwar economic growth possible.

Beginning in the Taisho period (1912-1926), pollution of the ocean by the wastewater from the Chisso factory occasionally became a problem. However, from 1932 to 1968 the company continued to use inorganic mercury as a catalyst in producing acetaldehyde, which was used to produce acetic acid and vinyl chloride. Methyl mercury, a by-product of the production process, was discharged virtually untreated into the sea until 1966.

Even after Chisso knew its factory wastewater was the cause of Minamata disease, it did not suspend operations. In the decision in the first Minamata disease trial, such corporate negligence and immorality was severely criticized.

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