The Open Research Center for Minamata Studies

Intent of the exhibition

This exhibition was held as part of the opening ceremony of the On-site Research Center for Minamata Studies of Kumamoto Gakuen University in Minamata city in August, 2005, in order to trace how Mr. William Eugene Smith, Ms. Michiko Ishimure, Mr. Teruo Kawamoto and Dr. Masazumi Harada engaged in Minamata disease.

The Minamata Studies project was established in Kumamoto Gakuen University in 1999. As part of the regular course curriculum for Faculty of Social Welfare of the University, lectures in Minamata Studies were started in 2002. The exhibition delivers the message to the world as well as people in Minamata: What Minamata Studies aims for and why the study facility is located in Minamata,

Outline of the exhibition

Period :

Aug. 18, 2006 to Oct. 28, 2006

Venue :

The On-site Research Center for Minamata Studies, Kumamoto Gakuen University

Components

Part 1

Investigation to determine the cause of Minamata disease: 7 written documents and books

Part 2

Those who confront human life: 10 written documents and exhibition panels

Part 3

The door to Minamata Studies: 4 written documents