Itai-itai disease: cadmium poisoning (1912)

Ittai-tai disease is caused by cadmium poisoning caused by mining in Toyama Prefecture. Increased demand for raw materials during the Russo-Japanese War and World War I, as well as new mining technology from Europe, increasing the output of mines, placing Kamioka Mining in Toyama between the world of mines. Production increased even more before World War II. Starting in 1910 and continued until 1945, cadmium discarded in significant quantities by mining operations, and the disease first appeared around the year 1912.

These mines are controlled by the Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd,. mining is then increased pollution and children Jinzu River tributaries. This river is used mainly for irrigated fields, also for drinking, washing, fishing and other uses by the residents downstream.