Minamata Disease Museum Soshisha

The Minamata Disease Museum Soshisha (水俣病歴史考証館) offers a powerful and deeply moving account of the history surrounding Minamata Disease. Located at the heart of one of Japan’s most significant environmental tragedies, the museum goes beyond education—it serves as a place of remembrance and advocacy. Through carefully curated exhibits, photographs, written testimonies, and an extensive archive of documents, Soshisha preserves the voices and experiences of those affected. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the suffering endured by the victims, the tireless efforts of their communities, and the long journey toward justice and environmental reform.

One of the most poignant sections of the museum is the memorial dedicated to the cats that were sacrificed during early scientific investigations into the disease’s cause. These animals, whose symptoms closely mirrored those of human victims, played an unintended yet vital role in revealing the dangers of industrial mercury poisoning. Their story adds a quiet but powerful layer to the museum’s message. A visit to Soshisha is not just educational—it is an emotional experience that fosters awareness, compassion, and a renewed sense of responsibility toward people and the planet.