On the Occasion of the Johannesburg Summit
Yoshii Masazmi
In the twentieth century the human race was able to attain a miraculous level of material wealth due to rapid advances in science and technology and the accompanying industrialization of society. On the other hand, this glittering twentieth century civilization was tarnished by the use of atomic weapons, widespread pollution, and other manifestations of systemic strain.
Pollution resulting in Minamata disease is also a product of these flaws.
It is the retribution for Japan's single-minded pursuit of economic development following defeat in World War II, without any regard for human life, human rights, or the environment. Minamata disease robbed many people of their lives and left numerous others to pursue a miserable life in impaired health. The incident resulted also in the total spiritual, economic, and social destruction of the Minamata region.
For half a century the citizens of Minamata City have worked very hard to confront the difficulties of aiding the victims and restoring the environment. They continue to speak out, to ring an alarm that this tragic incident, unparalled in world history, will not be repeated and to voice their urgent appeal that we learn from Minamata and take care of our environment. World-wide environmental destruction proceeds at a breakneck pace. It may not be long before our planet can no longer support the human race. As humans we share a longing for material wealth. This appetite is extremely difficult to curb, and environmental pollution prevention measures are painful. In response, the citizens of Minamata have done more than speak out against pollution--they are creating an "environmentally sound model city" that gives life to the lessons they have learned and surmounts the pain they have experienced. While promoting an existence in harmony with nature that protects natural cycles and natures purifying and restorative powers, the citizens of Minamata aim for a new type of civilization that emphasizes the wealth of the human heart and soul. In other words, they seek to create "a city within the framework of natural cycles" that will simultaneously protect the environment and improve the quality of life.
Minamata has been praised for having the highest level of waste segregation and recycling nation-wide. It has received widespread attention for the high level of environmental consciousness and extensive autonomous environmental activities of its citizens, becoming a model city in this new century of environmental concerns and attracting many visitors who come to observe and learn. Minamata also actively promotes international environmental exchanges, welcoming, for example, many foreigners who come to take part in training programs through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Johannesburg Summit should produce significant results. The citizens of Minamata City hope to contribute by sharing the lessons of Minamata disease and the know-how for building an environmentally-sound city. We welcome many people to visit our city, and look forward to a dialogue about the future of our planet and the human race.
(Translated by Karen R. Colligan-Taylor)
YOSHII Masazumi
Former Mayor of Minamata City
Resident of Minamata
Masazfoot_bl YOSHI was born in 1931 in Minamata city. In 1975 he was elected a member of assembly of Minamata city. He was elected five consecutive terms, including two-term-serving as the assembly chairman. In 1994, he took office as the 13th mayor of Minamata city. He retired voluntarily in 2002.
He wrote some books: hAccount of an Assemblymanfs Lifeh, gAccount of an Assemblymanfs Life, part2h, gRisho, Tackling Minamata Disease Measuresh, gWe Love Minamatah
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