1
of
1
The Minamata Story
An EcoTragedy
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 50 ratings, 19 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Minamata Story
$3499
Unit price
/
Unavailable
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.
Latest News
A Court of Splintered Harmony: How to Get Your Copy on Release Day
A Court of Splintered Harmony is almost here, and we have some exciting news for...
Pick up a Graphic Novel for Halloween
Wanting something different for spooky season? Try a horror themed graphic novel! Lizzy has rounded...
The ACOTAR Countdown Is On, But We Need to Talk…
Last week, things started taking a dark turn. The excitement surrounding the release was suddenly...
Even More New Board Games Just Arrived!
It's been another busy week at Book Hero, with heaps of new board games and...
The Book Briefing 21/10/2026
Welcome back to another edition of 'The Book Briefing', your weekly round-up of all the...
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
feedback is welcome!
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.
Also by Sean Michael Wilson
View all-
Freedom Shall Prevail
Freedom Shall Prevail is the first graphic novel exploring the life and struggle of Abdullah Öcalan, affectionately known as "Apo." Highly regarded around the world, Öcalan led the Kurdish freedom struggle as the head of the PKK from its foundation in 1978 until his abduction by the Turkish state in 1999. He has, so far, spent twenty-five years in captivity....Hardback$6499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Lady Murasaki's Tale of Genji: The Manga Edition
Step into a story of life and love in Kyoto's 10th century royal court. The Tale of Genji tells the story of Prince Genji, the passionate heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Handsome, romantic, and talented in the art of seduction, Prince Genji skilfully navigates the court and all its intrigues—always in search of love and often finding it. His story...Paperback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 1 week -
Freedom Shall Prevail
Freedom Shall Prevail is the first graphic novel exploring the life and struggle of Abdullah Öcalan, affectionately known as "Apo." Highly regarded around the world, Öcalan led the Kurdish freedom struggle as the head of the PKK from its foundation in 1978 until his abduction by the Turkish state in 1999. He has, so far, spent twenty-five years in captivity....Paperback$3999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Book of Five Rings
A graphic novel retelling of the classic manifesto on swordsmanship, strategy, and winning by the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. This graphic novel version of The Book of Five Rings, the iconic book of confrontation and victory by the famed seventeenth-century duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi, illuminates this brilliant manifesto, which has long inspired martial artists and anyone interested in...PaperbackSold Out
More from Graphic Novels
View all-
Signed Copy20% offHeartstopper Volume 6
Read it before you see it: Heartstopper Forever movie coming soon from Netflix Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The final installment in the bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel series about life, love, and everything that happens in between. Everyone in school knows Nick and Charlie. Everyone knows they're going to be togetherforever. But Charlie's busy with...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
17% offOne Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 1
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 1 by Eiichiro Oda invites readers on an exhilarating journey across the vast and treacherous oceans. Follow the ambitious young pirate, Monkey D. Luffy, and his eclectic crew as they embark on an epic quest to uncover the legendary treasure known as the One Piece, a prize that will crown its possessor as the King...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #1
An instant New York Times bestseller! With more than 40 million copies sold, Erin Hunter's Warriors series has taken the world by storm and is now available in a full-colour graphic novel adaptation. The first book covers the first two original novels in The Prophecies Begin: Into the Wild and Fire and Ice. A perfect introduction to the world of...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
21% offJujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 1
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 1 by Gege Akutami introduces readers to the gripping world of jujutsu sorcery and supernatural battles. This first volume sets the stage for an explosive adventure that intertwines the fate of humans and cursed spirits. In a world where cursed spirits, malevolent entities born from human negative emotions, prey on the unsuspecting, fragments of the legendary demon...Paperback$1500Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Demon Slayer Complete Box Set
Contains Volumes 1-23. Full colour. Double-sided Poster and Commemorative Mini-Book. Tanjiro embarks on the perilous path of a Demon Slayer, driven by a mission to save his sister and seek justice for his slain family! In the backdrop of Taisho-era Japan, we meet the compassionate Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who makes a humble living by selling charcoal. However, his tranquil...Paperback$29500Elsewhere:$41000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Signed Copy
Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat
In this hilarious full-colour graphic novel, Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat by Li Chen, readers are introduced to Cat Town's best kitten detective on a new and exciting adventure. When Detective Beans realises his favourite hat has gone missing, he quickly jumps into action to crack the case. Armed with his wit, determination, and a love...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Witch Hat Atelier: Grimoire Edition 1
This deluxe, keepsake-quality hardcover edition includes three volumes of the acclaimed fantasy manga on which the enchanting anime was based. Experience the beautiful tale of a young witch who discovers her creativity and faces down a dangerous and thrilling world with her friends by her side in these extra-large books, printed on premium paper with intricate gold foil covers and...Hardback$9999Elsewhere:$10500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
12% offJoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 7--Steel Ball Run, Vol. 1
A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil! The legendary Shonen Jump series is now available in deluxe hardcover editions featuring colour pages! JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humour, and frenetic battles. Riders from around the world gather in the Wild West for the race of...Hardback$2900Elsewhere:$4299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
16% off
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 2
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 2 by Gege Akutami continues the gripping saga of Yuji Itadori, a courageous high school student with a heart of gold, who finds himself thrust into a dangerous supernatural world. After swallowing a piece of the formidable demon Ryomen Sukuna to gain the power necessary to save his friends, Yuji is caught in an intense conflict between...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
16% off
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 3
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 3 by Gege Akutami continues the thrilling saga of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who finds himself thrust into a world of dark curses and supernatural dangers. In his quest to save his friends and protect humanity, Yuji consumes a piece of the malevolent demon Ryomen Sukuna, gaining unimaginable power but at a great personal risk....Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
19% off
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 5
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 5 by Gege Akutami continues the thrilling saga of Yuji Itadori, a teenager thrown into the perilous world of jujutsu sorcery and cursed spirits. In his quest to save his friends from malevolent supernatural forces, Yuji swallows a finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna, a fearsome demon whose fragments, if consumed, bestow immense and destructive power. As cursed...Paperback$1700Usually:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
13% off
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 2
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 2 by Eiichiro Oda continues the exhilarating adventure of Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they seek to uncover the world’s ultimate treasure, the One Piece. This omnibus edition compiles volumes 4-6 of the beloved manga series, presenting readers with an action-packed journey filled with friendship, courage, and burgeoning dreams. Monkey D. Luffy,...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Graphic Novels lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGraphic Novels
Lizzy's Top Graphic Novel Picks for Dad
Here are 20 (+ 1 extra) awesome graphic novels that Dad might love (or maybe you!!). Thinking about Father's Day, a birthday,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGraphic Novels
Graphic Novels that you will love as much as your kids!
These graphic novels are great for the whole family - sometimes funny, beautifully illustrated, or just genius story telling in graphic novel...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Shirl's listGraphic Novels
Top Manga Box Sets
Build your manga collection with our top box set picks! Packed with bestselling series, special extras and hours of reading. These are...View the list
