The Soshisha is just uphill from the areas with the highest concentrations of Minamata disease patients. It looks down upon the calm expanse of the Shiranui Sea. About a half-century ago, an unknown disease broke out in the fishing villages on the Shiranui Sea. Those struck by the disease kept to themselves to avoid the scornful gazes of their neighbors. Why were these innocent people forced to suffer such undeserved hardships?
The Minamata disease incident is not simply the crime of one corporation. It was the historically inevitable result of what seemed the proper thing to do: the pursuit of convenience and wealth. Historically speaking, the Minamata disease patients were sacrificed to humanity's desires.
Now, a half-century later, human beings are not yet free of the spell of convenience and wealth. The Minamata disease incident continues to raise fundamental questions about our way of life. Clarifying the truth and meaning of the Minamata disease incident is important to the future of humanity. The Soshisha is working to do this.