Copyright Minamata City

Description:

Minamata City used to be known for its Minamata Disease, organic mercury poisoning, in 1950s. The city learned lessons and importance of the environment from its experiences, and now is focusing on activities for the Environmental City. The city developed ideas to become an environmental city from its unique approach called "Jimoto-gaku" which encourages citizens to rediscover the uniqueness of their lifestyles and regional culture in order to plan a thriving and livable community while being aware of outside influences. The city's efforts led to the consecutive first prizes in the Top Eco-City Contest in 2004 and 2005.
The city has places to visit such as Minamata Disease Memorial, Minamata Disease Municipal Museum, Environmental Education and Intelligence center, and so on.

Related JFS article:

- 26 Students Join Minamata Environmental University
- [Sustainability College] To Start Where We Are --Restoring a Negative Heritage Using Social Capital
- [Newsletter] GETTING OVER MINAMATA DISEASE - MINAMATA CITY WORKS
- [Newsletter] "JIMOTO-GAKU," COMMUNITY STUDIES FOR REGIONAL FOOD
- [Newsletter] "JIMOTO-GAKU," COMMUNITY STUDIES FOR CREATING AND
- Environment Ministry Holds Seminar to Convey the Minamata Experience to the World
- Minamata Plans to Be 'Biomass Town'

and more. Please check "Minamata" through search box on the top of the page.

Location:
Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Category:
Material Reduction, Ecosystem, Conservation

Actor:
Local Government, Citizen

More info:
Minamata City
http://www.minamatacity.jp/eng/index.htm

TAG , Ecomap , Kyusyu