Minamata Disease as “Soul”: An Uncertain “Alternative Future” in the Modern Japanese State
Taking Life and Death Seriously - Bioethics from Japan
ISBN: 978-0-76231-206-1, eISBN: 978-1-84950-343-3
Publication date: 24 August 2005
Abstract
The internationally well known Minamata disease caused by methyl mercury poisoning, which has been described as a great tragedy of the modern Japanese state in the 20th century, in terms of a particular history of the “soul” narratives and practices is discussed. These narratives and practices are sometimes excluded from the authentic narratives in the state. I am exploring a historical vision connecting to the future of the Minamata disease victims as the “souls” of the Minamata disease after the “Final Settlement” in 1996. The paper's goal to suggest the “souls” of the Minamata disease is becoming out of place and it was articulated to some local people who experienced tragedies in the colonial or post-colonial situations.
Citation
Keida, K. (2005), "Minamata Disease as “Soul”: An Uncertain “Alternative Future” in the Modern Japanese State", Takahashi, T. (Ed.) Taking Life and Death Seriously - Bioethics from Japan (Advances in Bioethics, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 275-297. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3709(05)08811-4
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited