Photo/Illutration Johnny Depp, star of the film “Minimata,” and the fetal Minamata disease patient Shinobu Sakamoto meet in Tokyo on Dec. 2. Aileen M. Smith, widow of photographer Eugene Smith, sits behind Sakamoto. (Minako Yoshimoto)

Johnny Depp, who portrayed photographer Eugene Smith in the 2020 film “Minamata,” met with Shinobu Sakamoto, a victim of the mercury-poisoning disease, for the first time in Tokyo on Dec. 2.

Sakamoto, 69, was a real-life subject of Smith’s photos that brought global attention to Minamata disease.

Aileen M. Smith, 75, widow of the award-winning U.S. photographer (1918-78), joined Sakamoto in the meeting with Depp.

“Many people are still suffering from Minamata disease,” Sakamoto told the actor. “The disease is not over.”

Depp responded by saying he would like to support her.

Sakamoto also handed Depp a photo of herself with Aileen, featuring the Japanese woman’s signature on the back.

Depp gave Sakamoto his autograph on a message that read, “With all my respect and love to you, you are a legend.”

The three discussed the disease, which was officially identified nearly 70 years ago.

Many people involved in supporting Minamata disease victims cooperated with the production of “Minamata.”

Sakamoto met with the director, Andrew Levitas, during their visit to Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture. But since filming took place overseas, she didn’t have a chance to meet Depp.

Depp was in Japan on Dec. 2 for a film premiere. After Sakamoto invited him to visit Minamata, the actor said that he’d like to go.

Sakamoto wore a red sweater she reserves for special occasions. At the start of the meeting, Depp knelt and kissed Sakamoto’s right hand, which seemed to ease her nerves.

“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.

Minamata disease is a neurological disorder caused by consumption of marine products tainted with mercury discharged from a factory into Minamata Bay.

Sakamoto was born in 1956, the year when Minamata disease was officially identified.

She is one of the fetal Minamata disease patients who were affected by methyl mercury while in their mothers’ wombs.

Sakamoto spoke about her experience with the disease at the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, the first world conference to make the environment a major issue.

She continues to share her experiences at various venues.

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