Hollywood star Johnny Depp has met Shinobu Sakamoto, one of the most widely recognised survivors of Minamata disease.
Depp, who portrayed legendary photographer Eugene Smith in the 2020 film Minamata, came face-to-face with the woman whose childhood image helped expose the mercury-poisoning tragedy to the world.
Sakamoto, now 69, appeared in Smith’s iconic photographs documenting the devastating impact of industrial mercury waste on residents of Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture. Joining her at the meeting on 2 December was Smith’s widow, Aileen M. Smith, 75, who co-authored the original Minamata photo essay with her late husband.
“I did not choose to get Minamata disease,” said Sakamoto. “I want the world to understand. (The suffering) has not ended.”
Depp responded, “I would love to help in any way.”
During the meeting, Sakamoto gifted Depp a photograph of herself with Aileen, signed on the back. In return, Depp wrote her a heartfelt message — “With all my respect and love to you, you are a legend.” — along with his autograph.
The trio spoke at length about the ongoing struggles faced by Minamata victims, despite the disease being officially identified nearly 70 years ago. Many of those involved in advocating for affected families collaborated with the production of Minamata, including Sakamoto, who met director Andrew Levitas during filming preparations. But because most filming took place abroad, she never crossed paths with Depp — until now.
Depp, in Japan for a film premiere, was invited by Sakamoto to visit Minamata. He expressed eagerness to make the trip. At their meeting, Sakamoto wore a bright red sweater reserved for the most meaningful occasions. Depp, in a gesture that immediately softened the atmosphere, knelt and kissed her right hand.
“I was so nervous at the beginning. But I’m glad that we talked a lot at the last part of the meeting,” she said.
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Minamata disease, a neurological disorder caused by consuming seafood contaminated with mercury-tainted industrial wastewater, remains one of Japan’s most painful environmental disasters. Sakamoto was born in 1956 — the same year the disease was officially recognized — and was exposed to methyl mercury while still in the womb.
In 1972, she addressed the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, becoming one of the youngest and most powerful voices to speak on behalf of victims. Today, she continues to share her story around the world.
Depp, after the Tokyo meeting, described Sakamoto as someone with “a really beautiful heart,” adding that he wants to support her in any way possible.
When she encouraged him to visit Minamata, he responded that he is willing to go “by all means.” Sakamoto reminded him — and the world — that the crisis is far from past tense.
“We developed the disease not because we wanted it. I want all the people in the world to recognize that,” she said.
