Johnny Depp, who played photographer Eugene Smith in the 2020 film “Minamata”, met Shinobu Sakamoto, a victim of mercury poisoning illness, for the first time in Tokyo on December 2.
Sakamoto, 69, was a real-life subject of Smith’s photos that brought worldwide attention to Minamata disease.
Aileen M. Smith, 75, widow of the award-winning American photographer (1918-78), joined Sakamoto in the meeting with Depp.
“A lot of people still suffer from Minamata disease,” Sakamoto told the actor. “The illness is not over.”
Depp responded by saying he would like to support her.
Sakamoto also gave Depp a photo of herself with Aileen, with the Japanese woman’s signature on the back.
Depp gave Sakamoto his autograph on a message that read: “With all my respect and love to you, you are a legend.”
All three discussed the disease, officially identified nearly 70 years ago.
Many people involved in supporting victims of Minamata disease cooperated in the production of “Minamata”.
Sakamoto met director Andrew Levitas during their visit to Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture. But since the filming took place abroad, she did not have the opportunity to meet Depp.
Depp was in Japan on December 2 for a premiere of the film. After Sakamoto invited him to visit Minamata, the actor said he would like to go.
Sakamoto wore a red sweater that she reserves for special occasions. At the start of the meeting, Depp knelt down and kissed Sakamoto’s right hand, which seemed to ease his nerves.
“I was very nervous at first. But I’m glad we talked a lot at the end of the meeting,” she said.
Minamata disease is a neurological disorder caused by the consumption of mercury-contaminated marine products released from a factory in Minamata Bay.
Sakamoto was born in 1956, the year Minamata disease was officially identified.
She is one of the fetal Minamata disease patients who were affected by methylmercury while in their mother’s womb.
Sakamoto spoke about his experience with the disease at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972, the first global conference to make the environment a major issue.
She continues to share her experiences in various venues.
