環境かんきょう相しょう マイクの音おと切きられた男性だんせいらと懇談こんだん 水俣病みなまたびょう 慰霊いれい式しきを前まえに

On May 1st, ahead of the memorial ceremony for the victims of Minamata disease in Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Environment Minister Asao met with men from a victims group who, during a discussion with the then-Environment Minister a year ago, had their microphones cut off while speaking.

Last year on May 1st, following the memorial service for the victims of Minamata disease, there was an issue where a Ministry of the Environment official cut the microphone during remarks by patient and victim groups in a meeting with the then Minister of the Environment. In response to this, Minister of the Environment Asao visited Minamata City from April 30th, held discussions with patient and victim groups, and also visited facilities where patients live.

On the morning of the 1st, there was a meeting with the organization where Mr. Shigemitsu Matsuzaki, who had his microphone cut off during his speech at last year’s discussion, serves as vice president, as well as with the victims’ association from Shishijima in Nagashima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Mr. Matsuzaki had his microphone cut off while he was talking about his wife, who passed away the previous year without being recognized as a Minamata disease patient, and said, I think the allotted time of three minutes was too short.

I would like you to take your time and listen to what we have to say today, she said.

In response, Minister Asao said, I apologize for the inappropriate management in which the microphone was turned off.

I answered, I would like to discuss various matters and listen to what you have to say, so that we can make even a little progress.

Mr. Matsuzaki also said, I have doubts about the criteria used to certify patients.

My wife also died, saying It hurts, it hurts every day.

She appealed, saying things like, People who are not certified are just like patients.

In addition, the organization called for the provision of acupuncture and massage services in remote island areas, as well as improvements in medical and welfare services for people who are not officially recognized as patients.

In addition to complaints that the Ministry of the Environment has been slow to respond to long-standing requests, supporters also asked tough questions such as, Does the minister recognize that the government is also a perpetrator?

In the afternoon of the 1st, Minister Asao will also attend the memorial service for the victims.