Abstract
Since the discovery of Minamata disease (MD) in 1956, compensation systems for MD have been established for every complex situation. Applications for compensation increased drastically following the 2004 Supreme Court decision. We examined the relationship between the application process for compensation and the illness experience of MD, using data collected from methylmercury-contaminated areas. On the one hand, applications for compensation were spread among younger generations, and around low-compensated areas. On the other hand, the illness experience of those who applied for compensation in recent years was influenced by accumulated prejudice toward MD and dissatisfaction with the compensation offered. Thus, contradicting factors were identified for encouraging and constraining people from applying for compensation.
