Unlike other diseases, it is extremely difficult to obtain autopsy histopathological specimens of Minamata disease. National Institute for Minamata Disease in collaboration with the Department of Cytopathology, Kumamoto University is organizing and storing extremely valuable pathology specimens from the early days of Minamata disease in order to preserve them for posterity. However, it is difficult to permanently store pathology specimens as they fade over time. This database is being created with the aim of making valuable specimens available to those who need them, when they need them, and of digitising pathology specimens for permanent preservation.