The Japanese economy has made a remarkable recovery from the chaos that followed World War II. In 1955, Japan entered a period of rapid economic growth. On the other hand, rapid industrialization had brought serious industrial pollution to many parts of the country. One of the four major pollution diseases in Japan is Minamata disease, which originally occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture. For about three years, starting in 1971, American photographer Eugene SMITH and his then wife, Irene Mioko SMITH, moved to Minamata City in Kumamoto Prefecture to tell the world about Minamata disease. The film “MINAMATA,” about the couple was released nationwide in September. Minamata disease is caused by eating seafood contaminated with organic mercury, and is discarded into the sea by corporation. Organic mercury affects the brain, causing sensory disturbances, limb dysfunction, and speech disorders. The effects on the fetus are particularly severe, and many children have been born with severe disabilities. Sixty-five years after the “official confirmation” of Minamata disease, people are still suffering from the disease and are still suing for patient recognition. In the midst of all this, the factory of the company that is the cause of the problem are still operating on the same land. And humanity is still seeking the same convenient, safe, and comfortable life. In this time of the Covid-19 disaster, the film “MINAMATA” gives us an opportunity to think about the question “Economy or Life”?