A recent meeting held in Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, involving the Minamata Disease victims and supporters group and officials from the Ministry of the Environment, revealed significant difficulties in recruiting participants for a health survey intended to clarify the extent of the damage caused by Minamata disease. Out of 800 people contacted, only 32 individuals ultimately participated, raising concerns over the feasibility and effectiveness of the survey. The group criticized the government for the low turnout and expressed skepticism regarding the survey's methodology that relies on advanced imaging equipment rather than more accessible techniques.

The Ministry of the Environment's survey approach involves a two-day, overnight commitment which some participants find burdensome, leading to limited turnout. The group's representatives have claimed that the government's requirements diverge from their initial vision for a straightforward study relying on interviews and basic health checks, rather than complex scans. The representative, Yoshihiro Yamashita, reiterated the group's stance that the current health survey does not align with their needs and called for an immediate cessation of the initiative.

In response, the Ministry of the Environment stated that the results from the preliminary survey will be analyzed by experts to refine the methodology for the official survey intended for 2026. The meeting coincides with the 70th anniversary of officially recognizing Minamata disease, and discussions included future dialogues between the Ministry and the patient group, taking into account past criticisms about being interrupted during speaking opportunities. The Minister of the Environment expressed a commitment to work towards accommodating the group's needs, while it remains unclear when the two parties will meet again to address these pressing issues.