Firstly, we visited the Minamata Disease Museum where we learnt about the Minamata disease. It was a major outbreak of disease in Kyushu which caused a lot of deaths. Minamata disease is methyl mercury poisoning caused in effluent released into the Shiranui Sea (Kyushu) from the Chisso Minamata factory. That caused accumulation of methyl mercury in the tissues of fish and other aquatic life, which were then consumed by the local population. People whose livelihood depended upon the abundant sea were suffering. Also, fishermen lost their breadwinners. Children were born with severe symptoms due to methyl mercury exposure while still in the womb. Despite knowing the consequences of disposing harmful waste into the sea, Chisso Company, the leading company in Kyushu, continued to discharge harmful waste into the sea, affecting more lives. By doing this, the people from Chisso Company were being very inconsiderate and irresponsible.

The trip to the museum taught me a lot about life. A lady whose grandfather and father suffered and died from Minamata disease, shared her story with us. I think she is being very courageous by sharing her story with us, although she lost her loved ones, which would probably remind her of them when she share her story with us. We also visited the Minamata memorial Monument where people who died from Minamata disease were remembered and respected.

Next, we proceed to Eco net, where we were taught how to make soap using recycling materials such as leftover cooking oil. It was an interesting experience for me. We also learnt that synthetic soaps are harmful compared to natural soaps, which are made from recycling materials.

Amanda