The Minamata Disease Archives were established in 2001 as an institution attached to the National Institute for Minamata Disease, Ministry of the Environment, Japan. The functions of the institution are: to collect, organize, store information relating to Minamata disease and conduct research activities on Minamata disease; to disseminate information on Minamata disease to researchers and citizens through exhibition and information network; to provide opportunities to enhance academic exchange on Minamata disease and Mercury. It aims to contribute to enhance further understanding of Minamata disease, to transmit the lessons learned from the experiences of Minamata disease, and to advance research activities on Minamata disease and mercury in general.