This Japan Times article points out that the Environment Ministry has, in essence, put new obstacles in front of people seeking certification as Minamata disease patients. These new barriers are a reaction to a recent Supreme Court ruling that would lower the bar for applicants. The Supreme Court ruled that just one kind of symptom (only a “sensation” disorder) can be sufficient for certification – e.g. one need not have multiple symptoms. After dragging its feet, the Environment Ministry has finally decided to go along with this but, at the same time, is erecting new barriers. From their perspective, more certification means more expenditures and the possibility of a flood of new applicants. So, they are trying to keep the door closed as tightly as possible, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling against them. Shame!
To read about last year’s Supreme Court decision, go to
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201304170076
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/03/17/editorials/new-burden-for-minamata-victims/