W. Eugene Smith traveled to Japan in the 1970s to tour for an exhibition. However, after the local community of Minamata was heavily affected by mercury poisoning caused by wastewater from Chisso Corporation’s chemical factory, Smith decided to stay longer, documenting the harm that was caused. In a striking image taken of the severely disabled woman Tomoko Uemura, getting bathed by her mother Ryoko, Smith brought worldwide attention to the tragedy, and the incompetence of Chisso Corporation. Smith’s photos directly led to action taken by the Japanese government again Chisso.