“Minamata byo” (more accurately, mercury poisoning, though the nuance is that it is acquired through food due to environmental contamination) is normally Kirk’s purview. However, this is a bit of big news.
Eugene Smith was an American photographer with much experience in photography of the Pacific War so was no shrinking violet - he left the war with injuries and shellshock. His wife was of Japanese origin with roots in Minamata, and the couple lived there between 1971 - 73, when effects of the mercury poisoning were becoming apparent. His photographs both publicized the tragedy and helped lead to stricter environmental regulations worldwide. Below, he is portrayed with his wife, Aileen Mioko. Wikipedia provides a brief biography here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Eugene_Smith and a selection of his photos is here: https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&ALID=2TYRYDDWZXTR
This is mentioned as Johnny Depp has been chosen to portray Smith in a production slated to begin filming in Minamata in January and released in October. So if you see a guy in Kumamoto who looks like Johnny Depp, it’s likely Johnny Depp. More info at Variety: https://variety.com/2018/film/markets-festivals/johnny-depp-photographer-minamata-1202989438/ - William
Note: It has been brought to my attention that Smith’s heartbreaking photo, “Tomoko Uemura in Her Bath,” is discouraged from being published by the victim’s family, so it has been replaced and the post edited. It is viewable at the above Wikipedia link.