Minamata, Coastal city in southern Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
Minamata stretches along the Shiranui Sea with mountain ranges in the background and offers views towards the scattered Amakusa Islands.
The city gained international attention in 1956 when local doctors identified a neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning from industrial waste in Minamata Bay.
The National Institute for Minamata Disease conducts research on mercury-related health issues and preserves documentation about environmental contamination effects.
Two thermal spring locations, Yunotsuru in the mountains and Yunoko by the coast, provide different bathing experiences for visitors throughout the year.
The municipality implements a 24-category waste separation system through 300 collection stations as part of its environmental protection program.
Location: Kumamoto Prefecture
Inception: April 1, 1889
Shares border with: Isa, Izumi, Ashikita, Tsunagi, Kuma
Website: https://city.minamata.lg.jp
GPS coordinates: 32.21186,130.40875
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:42
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