Johnny Depp recently met with a significant figure affected by the Minamata disease, following the release of his film about this environmental tragedy. The meeting took place in Tokyo and aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing impacts of mercury poisoning.
Meeting with a Minamata Victim
During his visit, Depp engaged with 69-year-old Shinobu Sakamoto, who suffers from a congenital form of Minamata disease. Sakamoto emphasized her desire for the world to recognize the enduring pain caused by this illness, stating, “I did not choose to get Minamata disease.”
Depp expressed his willingness to assist in any way possible. Over a 15-minute conversation, facilitated by an interpreter, Sakamoto encouraged him to visit Minamata, located in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Significant Exchanges
- Sakamoto gifted Depp a photo of herself, inscribed with her name.
- Depp reciprocated with a signed card that stated, “With all my respect and love.”
Background on the Minamata Disease
The Minamata disease is a severe condition caused by mercury poisoning, which devastated the community of Minamata, Japan. The town’s struggle with this issue became widely known through the work of American photographer Eugene Smith, portrayed by Depp in the film “Minamata.”
The movie premiered in Japan in 2021 and highlighted Smith’s efforts to document the environmental disaster and its impact on local residents.
Connection to Historical Figures
Aileen Mioko Smith, the former wife of Eugene Smith, facilitated the meeting. She noted that a scene in the film depicts a confrontation between a woman and the president of the company responsible for the pollution. This woman was modeled after Sakamoto’s mother, Fujie, who sadly passed away in 2019.
Depp is currently in Japan to promote another film he directed, making this meeting a poignant reminder of both his artistic endeavors and his commitment to social issues.
