The city of Minamata, Kumamoto, declined to lend its name as a supporter to a local screening held in August 2021 organized by volunteers, prior to the nationwide release of the film in Japan in September 2021. The city told The Asahi Shimbun that it was uncertain whether the film depicted historical events accurately and was conducive to dispelling discrimination and prejudice against patients. Kumamoto Prefecture, on the other hand, supported the screening.
Was voted as one of the top 5 Fan Favorite Movies at the 2022 Oscars Ceremony. This came as a large surprise as the film had not grossed over $2 million at the world wide box office.
Acclaimed Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto was hired to write the film's score.
On December 1, 2021, Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment and Samuel Goldwyn Films teamed to acquire US distribution rights to the film from MGM, and set it for a December 15, 2021 release.
Minamata had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 21, 2020.