Agano River facts for kids
The Agano River (Aganogawa) is an important river in Japan. It flows from Fukushima Prefecture to Niigata Prefecture. In Fukushima, people sometimes call it the Aga River or the Ōkawa River. This river is about 210 kilometers (130 miles) long. Its watershed, which is the land area that drains into the river, covers about 7,710 square kilometers (2,977 square miles).
In 1927, the Agano River was chosen as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan. This was a special list of places that showed the beauty and culture of Japan during the Shōwa period (1926-1989).
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Understanding the Niigata Minamata Disease
In 1964, a factory in Kanose village in Niigata Prefecture caused a serious health problem. This problem became known as the Niigata Minamata disease.
What Caused the Problem?
The factory released a harmful chemical called methyl mercury into the Agano River. This chemical then entered the fish and other creatures living in the river.
What Happened Next?
People who ate the fish from the river became sick because of the methyl mercury. This caused various health issues for many people in the area. It was a sad event that showed how important it is to keep our rivers clean and safe from pollution.
See Also
In Spanish: Río Agano para niños
