Itai-itai Disease Museum, Disease museum in Toyama, Japan
The Itai-itai Disease Museum documents an environmental disaster in Toyama through documents, photographs, and objects that show how cadmium poisoning damaged the health of local residents. The exhibits explain the physical and social effects of industrial pollution on the region.
The museum documents a tragedy that unfolded during the 1960s, when industrial cadmium along the Jinzu River poisoned residents and caused severe bone disease. This event became a turning point for environmental protection and corporate responsibility in Japan.
The museum presents firsthand accounts from people who suffered from the disease and their families, showing how the contamination crisis affected their lives and communities. These personal stories reveal the lasting impact on relationships, work, and daily routines.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and offers free admission, making a visit accessible to everyone. Guided tours in multiple languages are available to help visitors understand the exhibits better.
The facility includes a specialized laboratory that demonstrates soil contamination and the restoration techniques developed afterward. This shows how scientific progress helped reverse environmental damage in the region.
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