by Clarke Fountain
synopsis
Those familiar with the environmental disaster which resulted in a widespread outbreak of mercury poisoning in Japan, giving the affliction the popular name of Minamata disease, might think that due to the widespread publicity that incident received the problem has been resolved. This documentary which explores the lives of those currently living along the shores of the Agano River demonstrates that this is far from being the case. Toxic discharges into the river continue to cripple area residents, only a few of whom have received any form of compensation or assistance.
