Goals of the SOSHISHA
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 simplythe crime of one corporation. It was thehistorically inevitable result of what seemedthe proper thing to do: the pursuit of convenienceand wealth. Historically speaking, the Minamatadisease patients were sacrificed to humanity'sdesires.
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.
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| Patients gathered to protest remarks alleging the existence of "fake patients." (Photo by Akutagawa Jin 1980) | Elementary school students visiting the Minamata Disease Museum. |
Today's SOSHISHA and Its Activities
1. Responding to requests from Minamata diseasepatients.
2. Collection and publication of oral historiesfrom Minamata disease patients and othersinvolved with Minamata disease.
3. Operation of the Minamata Disease Museum.
4. Creation of environmental education programsbased on experience with Minamata disease.
5. Coordinating and leading tours and schoolfield trips.
6. Surveying Shiranui Sea coastal areas.
7. Publication of pamphlets on Minamata diseaseand environmental education.
8. Managing land on the Yunoko plateau asa site for experiential learning based onexperience with Minamata disease.
9. Collection, organization, and disseminationof documents relating to Minamata disease.
10. Publication of newsletter, Gonzui.
11. Dissemination of information via WWWhome page.
12. Sponsoring and sending speakers to lecturesand symposia.
13. Sale of publications on Minamata disease,low-pesticide citrus fruits, organic tea,low-pesticide apples.
The Establishment and Activities of the SOSHISHA
| 1969 | Lawsuit filed in Minamata disease trial ("first trial"). |
| 1972 | Plaintiff patients express the desire for a support center for patients and their families. |
| Calls for a Minamata Disease Center made at the First United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm). | |
| Donations solicited nationwide. | |
| 1974 | Minamata Disease Center completed. Named "SOSHISHA"(meaning "mutual consideration"). |
| Mushroom factory constructed. Work by patients and others begins there. | |
| Collection and analysis of mercury-laden sludge, fish, and shellfish from Minamata Bay. | |
| 1975 | Exchange of visits with leaders of Canadian Indian Minamata disease patient group. |
| 1977 | Beginning of activities as base for uncertified patientsEmovement. |
| Minamata Experiential School opened (study and exchanges regarding Minamata disease; now the "Gonzui School"). | |
| Beginning of sales of low-pesticide citrus fruit grown by Minamata disease patients. | |
| 1979 | "Detsuki Health Center" established. Acupuncture, moxibustion, and massage treatments provided. |
| 1980 | Photo collection Minamata: Living Scenes published (photos by Akutagawa Jin). |
| 1982 | Minamata Life School opened (free school; study of Minamata disease and organic farming). |
| 1983 | Document center completed. Documents related to Minamata disease collected, organized, displayed, loaned, published, etc. |
| 1986 | Survey of distribution of plants and animals around Minamata Bay shoreline. |
| 1987 | Oral history survey in coastal areas around Shiranui Sea. |
| 1988 | Minamata Disease Museum established. |
| 1990 | Publication of newsletter begins. |
| 1993 | Illustrated Minamata Disease published (bilingual, in both Japanese and English). |
| 1994 | Citizens' Gatherings to Consider the Recovery of Minamata ("Sorosoro moyainaoshi ba hajimen ba") begin to be held. |
| 1997 | World Wide Web home page established. |
| 1998 | Indonesian and Tagalog editions of Illustrated Minamata Disease published. |
Invitation to Become a Supporting Memberand Request for Donations
The activities of the SOSHISHA are supported by your donations and supporting membership fees.
We urge all those who believe in the work of the SOSHISHA to become supporting members.
We also ask for your donations. Please helpus in our work.
4th/Feb/2002