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The Minamata Story
An EcoTragedy
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 50 ratings, 19 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The Minamata Story
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This graphic novel appeals to eco-activists and readers interested in environmental justice of all ages. Its manga-inspired style also makes it accessible for younger readers, although it is not marketed specifically as a children's title. It is suitable for educational settings and those seeking historically grounded narratives on environmental and social issues.
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See moreThe true story of how one Japanese village suffered and survived the mercury poisoning of its waters.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
This graphic novel dramatizes the story of Minamata, famous around the world as one of the most egregious examples of environmental poisoning. Identified in 1956, a final compensation settlement was not reached until 2010. Over 2,000 people were affected and over 1,700 have died.
Many people have heard about Minamata, but few know the real story or the human cost. The artist is Japanese, and the writer a UK citizen residing in Japan, giving the book a great mix of narrative and authentic representation.
Movie connection: A movie titled Minamata starring Johnny Depp is currently being filmed in Japan; release date TBD (2020?). It is based on the life of W. Eugene Smith, whose photo essay on Minamata in the 1970s stunned the world. Note that our book is not a direct or licensed tie-in.
Author Wilson has a solid track record of historical documentation of Japanese history and culture. His works include The Book of Five Rings, Yakuza Moon, and Black Ships. New Internationalist, a CBSD client, publishes Wilson's recent book The Many Not the Few, ISBN 9781780264448.
This book appeals to ecowarriors of all ages, but the manga presentation makes it a good choice for younger readers, although it is not marketed as a children's title. Most recently, the story of Minamata reminds us of the problem of lead-poisoned water in Flint, Michigan, and represents the same kind of governmental bungling and indifference.
AUTHOR PAGE ON WIKIPEDIA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Michael_Wilson
MARKETING POINTS
Graphic Novels are hot:
- According to Publishers Weekly re Y2018: This is a marked difference from the 1.3% increase seen across all print publishing (not just graphic novels) in the U.S. and it indicates healthy growth for the category.
- According to Publishers Weekly:
- According to comicbook.com May 2019: with shonen bringing in the bulk of money.
- Not only is the sale of manga on a rise in North America, but the report reveals that about 25% of the entire graphic novel market belongs to manga in the United States.
Statistics on Eco Activism groups:
According to Wikipedia, there are 150 active Eco Activism groups in the US. Some of the biggest include:
- The Sierra Club: 1.3 million members
- World Wildlife Fund: 5 million members
- Greenpeace: 2.5 million members
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): 1.2 million members
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
2022 Skipping Stones Honor Awards Recipient and 2021 NCTAsia Freeman Award Honorable Mention, the book receives praise for its important and complex portrayal of environmental injustice. Publishers Weekly calls it "worthy reading," while Near Mint Condition highlights its educational value and the passionate call to action it conveys. Graphic Policy describes it as "super educational" and a strong introduction to the incident for those unfamiliar with Minamata.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781611720563
Publisher: Stone Bridge Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 29 July 2021
Country: United States
Imprint: Stone Bridge Press
Illustration: B&W illustrations throughout
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Akiko Shimojima
- Introduction by Brian Small
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 228.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 112
About the Author
Sean Michael Wilson is a comic book writer from Scotland. He has had more than 30 books published with a variety of US, UK and Japanese publishers. Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts books, including The Book of Five Rings, Yakuza Moon and Black Ships. In 2016 his book The Faceless Ghost was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Book Awards and received a medal in the 2016 'Independent Publisher Book Awards'. In 2017, his book Secrets of the Ninja won an International Manga Award from the Japanese government - he is the first British person to receive this award.
Akiko Shimojima is a comic artist from Japan. Her career began when she was in a university in NY. Her comics have been published by several companies in Japan and other countries. She has been working with Sean Michael Wilson, on various projects, including The 47 Ronin, Bushido, and the Satsuma Rebellion. Her book Cold Mountain was the winner of the China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 'Best Overseas Comic' award. She also teaches how to draw digital comics at a college in Tokyo.
Brian Small is an environmental activist and teacher at Minami Kyushu University.
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