Rowing the Eternal Sea

The Story of a Minamata Fisherman

Narrated by Ogata Masato.
Written by Oiwa Keibo
Translated by Karen Colligan-Taylor.

Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2001.
3,570 yen
(Paper cover book)

In this compelling oral history, Ogata Masato, fisherman and Minamata disease sufferer, tells of the devastation of methyl mercury poisoning. Spanning fifty years, his story describes the impact of industrial pollution on his own life, on his extended family, and on the fishing culture of the Shiranui Sea. Masatofs story begins with the vibrant village of his childhood and culminates with the possibility of return, if not to onefs birthplace, then to a spiritual community, to the web of interrelationships that constitute life. A one-time leader of Minamata disease patients seeking certification and compensation, Masato breaks away to follow his personal path to redemption.
Translator's Introduction
Karen Colligan-Taylor
Prologue: "Out to the Mythological Sea"
Ishimure Michiko

Part I
A Vibrant Village
The Bitter Sea
Competing Souls
What's Going On?
Two Hints
Within the Circle
School Days
A Family Ordeal
Leaving Home
A Compass Restored

Part II
Rising Tides
Social Activism
Life Changes
Leaving the Movement
The Depths of Despair
Facing My Demons
Tokyo no fune, Boat to the Eternal World
Bearing Witness
A Will of Stone
A Place of Atonement

Part Ill
Beneath the Light of the Sun and the Moon
The Chisso within Us
Keep the Embers Glowing
Nusari, Embracing Life as a Gift
Moyainaoshi, Moored Together Again

Epilogue
   Oiwa Keibo

Index

About...
   The Author
   The Narrator
   The Translator

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