minamata

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JCP urges government to give relief to all Minamata victims

Members of the Japanese Communist Party's project team on Minamata disease made representations to the Environmental Ministry on November 17 demanding that the government take relief measures for all Minamata disease (mercury poisoning) victims.

Nihi Sohei, JCP House of Councilors member who heads the team, criticized the government for failing to revise the current standards for certifying Minamata disease victims while the 2004 Supreme Court ruling acknowledged its laxity.

Nihi demanded that the government as well as Chisso Corp., which discharged organic mercury into Minamata Bay in Kumamoto Prefecture, accept responsibility for the consequences and provide relief to all victims by covering medical costs and ensuring the livelihood of victims who are unable to work.

In October 2004, the Supreme Court for the first time held the state and Kumamoto Prefectural governments responsible for the spread of Minamata disease. Since then, more than 3,200 victims have sent applications to the Environmental Ministry seeking official recognition as Minamata victims. In November, 554 uncertified victims filed a lawsuit in the Kumamoto District Court calling for state compensation. The plaintiffs' group is expected to be larger by the end of this year. -- Akahata, November 18, 2005