In March 1968, residents of a fishing village called Damanoura on Fukue Island, located 120 km west of Kyushu, Japan, began experiencing mysterious symptoms. They lost their appetites and were constantly drenched in sweat. They were so fatigued that it became difficult to work, and grotesque boils appeared on their bodies, oozing foul-smelling pus. Their vision deteriorated, and mucus flowed from their eyes, causing their eyelids to stick together. Children could not attend school, and entire families were unable to work, leaving their livelihoods in jeopardy. It was as if a divine curse had descended upon the village.