A Study For Kumamoto Minamata Disease Environmental Hazards Event In Japan(1956-1959)

The Japanese process of industrialization was at speed with the Japanese economic recovery in 1950s.In consideration of the fundamental function of chemical industry to other industrial sectors,the Japanese government had more attention to it.But the pollution to the environment from the waste of chemical factories could not be ignored.Among the history of the environmental pollution,Minamata disease was typical.To study the Minamata disease public nuisance events on Kumamoto in 1956,there were three parts who involved in:the victims and sufferers;the factory as injurer;the government as intervener.The factory possessed the honor of building the whole city and the support of other citizens,so in the 1950s the factory always took the advantage,and at last escaped from the punishment.The victims and sufferers were divided into some groups who seek for different demands,they could not help each other and did not assemble their power,so they lost their opportunities to get what they deserve in 1959.The government,no matter the local or the central,need the factory make more contribution to the development of economy,punishing the factory was never a option to the government,it lead the Minamata Disease public nuisance events was not settled down and break out in 1960s and 1970s.Although in 1950s the Minamata disease was only happened on the southwest part of Japan,it also indicated something need to be thought.From the relationship of sufferers and injurer,it revealed the dilemma when economic profits run into public benefits.The relationship between government and others showed up the contradiction between policy-making and social conscience.Above problems,not only happened in 1950s,but also became big problem in the future.