Today's Soshisha and Its Activities

1. Responding to requests from Minamata disease patients.

2. Collection and publication of oral histories from Minamata disease patients and others involved with Minamata disease.

3. Operation of the Minamata Disease Museum.
Minamata Disease Museum
The museum contains approximately 100 panels of photographs and explanations, organized by four themes: "Shiranui Sea-a bountiful ocean and lifestyle"; "Minamata disease-the crimes committed by Chisso"; "The history of the victims' struggle"; "The present-Issues we must consider."
Open: 9:00-17:00 Closed: the end and the beginning of the year
Admission: \525 per adult, \420 per high school student, and \315 per elementary and junior high school pupil

4. Creation of environmental education programs based on experience with Minamata disease.

5. Coordinating and leading tours and school field trips.
Tour of Minamata; Experiencing the local environment
A guided tour of places significant to the outbreak of Minamata disease, including the Chisso effluent outfall; fishing hamlets with many victims; reclaimed land (fill over contaminated sea floor); vicinity of Chisso factory. Those interested may also visit green tourism sites and participate in related hands-on activities.
Basic fee: ��10,500 (first four hours; additional time, ��2,625 per hour)
Coordinate fee: \6,300 Additional fee for persons: \525 per adult

6. Surveying Shiranui Sea coastal areas.

7. Publication of pamphlets on Minamata disease and environmental education.

8. Managing land on the Yunoko plateau as a site for experiential learning based on experience with Minamata disease.

9. Collection, organization, and dissemination of documents relating to Minamata disease.
Requests for materials related to Minamata disease
The Soshisha library contains 200,000 items related to Minamata disease, including specialized documents (e.g., items related to court cases or individual movements and organizations), newspaper articles and books. These items are available for research purposes. Usage fees will make possible the acquisition and organization of future documents.
Usage fee: \315 per item Commission: \2100 per hour

10. Publication of newsletter, Gonzui.
Subscription to bimonthly newsletter, Gonzui
Pursuing themes current to the situation in Minamata, we consider how we can apply what we have learned from the Minamata disease incident to our current and future life styles. Back issues are also available. In Japanese.
Annual subscription cost: ��2,100 for 6 issues

11. Dissemination of information via WWW home page.

12. Sponsoring and sending speakers to lectures and symposia.

13. Sale of publications on Minamata disease, low-pesticide citrus fruits, organic tea, low-pesticide apples.
Sale of books and videos related to Minamata disease
We have materials not easily obtained elsewhere. Please contact us if you would like a list of materials.