Yesterday marked the 70th anniversary of the official "discovery" of Minamata disease. The pollution by the Chisso factory that caused people to get sick goes back further. Nonetheless, court cases continue; the issue is far from resolved. Here's one of many English language articles on the topic. If you are interested, a Google news search for "Minamata" will return many more.

Several of the people pictured are members of Kibo Mirai Minamata, a group that began as "Hot House" and has been run and supported throughout by KATO Takeko (reddish hair, closest to the altar in the photo). I am looking forward to taking a group of students to Minamata in July to visit with Ms. Kato and the Minamata disease patients who have been so hospitable to us over the years.