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Japan says it hopes to resume whaling later this year

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By Elaine Lies

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Yes, of course they intend to resume. There are a lot of amakudari bureaucrats relying on it.

22 ( +25 / -3 )

I wonder who eats all this whale meat?

In nearly 40 years in Japan, I've seen one whale meat restaurant, in Shibuya in Tokyo. In Hokkaido there was whale "bacon" in some supermarkets, but I never saw it on a restaurant or izakaya menu.

Is there some area in Japan where whale meat is eaten?

14 ( +19 / -5 )

Idiots. Let's publicize all the whaling eateries as Japanese cultural cuisine when the Olympics come to town shall we?

12 ( +17 / -5 )

tinawatanabe

How do you know Im white, or western.. perhaps Im part Maori from New Zealand and once whaling was traditional for my people too..

I don't think you understand, Im not forcing anything on anyone, we share this planet, oceans and the animals in them don't care about international boarders.. perhaps I could say Japan is forcing their culture on other people... especially by travelling to another part of the planet, which "traditionally" has nothing to do with Japan.

Incidentally whaling, though for oil not eating, was a "traditional" enterprise for Australia and New Zealand in the not too distant past as well.

Guess what things change, as they should sometimes. Would you like to return to the traditional ways women have been treated in the past? Would you like traditional medical treatment rather than modern medical treatment?

10 ( +12 / -3 )

Japan's will face World condemnation and consecquences for it's ongoing disregard in protecting what remains of declining whale populations.Japan is on a path that will ensure it's own demise by failing to protect species in great decline.On this issue I find Japan totally irresponsible and ask it's citizens to reconsider taking such actions killing off the World's declining whale populations !!

9 ( +14 / -5 )

"I think the Japanese people can decide what is no longer suitable for Japan"

The problem with that argument is that the whales live in the oceans of the world. They belong to the world, not to Japan.

8 ( +12 / -5 )

Japan is arrogantly imposing its culture on the Antarctic.

Japan should stop this cultural imperialism.

Traveling 1000s and 1000s of km around the globe, burning 1000s and 1000s of gasoline, to greedily grab whales to support its "food culture"... it makes Japan look ridiculous on the world stage.

If they need whales for their culture they should take them near Japan.

Stop being so greedy Japan!!

Take resources in your own backyard.

The Antarctic is a precious natural environment.

Instead of greedily grabbing resources there, nations should be cooperating to protect it.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

"Japan has long maintained that most whale species are not endangered and that eating whale is part of its food culture."

In the same way that "Shakespeare is part of British culture", as hardly anyone bothers with it.

The majority of whale meat is used to make cheap pet food, while the rest is kept, unwanted and unused, in warehouses.

The REAL reason whaling occurs, is as a pork-barrel scheme for those remote, dilapidated coastal villages and towns. If the government actually bothered to invest in a sustainable industry, without handing out money in subsidiaries, then maybe those towns could build themselves back up.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

You need to look up the meaning of 'tradition' in a dictionary Tina. Thinking something is cute is not a tradition.

7 ( +8 / -2 )

Reasons Japan should stop whaling and why its excuses are terrible.

Japan needs friends, as its neighbours become more aggressive especially in the oceans, Japan needs support from other countries in the region, fairly neutral countries like Australia, New Zealand in the pacific are absolutely in opposition to whaling. Make the compromise for allies and security.

Tradition is a terrible excuse for anything, it was once traditional to have slaves, we don't do that anymore, it was once traditional to paint with lead, we stopped, Japan once was a feudal system where common people had very little, that has changed too.. to simply claim something is tradition so you must do it is ridiculous.

Even is we accepted tradition was the reason, the antarctic wasn't a traditional Japanese fishing area, but hey if they want to head down there with a traditional boat with traditional fishing equipment and traditional Japanese clothing... good luck to them.

It isn't an important food source in anyway.

Its a huge waste of money and in some reports funded by money assigned to disaster recovery.

Finally, it is such a massive dishonest lie it makes Japan look terrible. Call it what it is, and appeal for that, not this loophole non-sense.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

@Bertie

They once served whale in my daughter's elmentary school lunch years ago. It was around the time Japan and the government were saying that all Japanese eat whale. But they couldn't prove it. So they had the elementary school kids eat it.

@Yubaru

"Countless" portrays that it is common. But it really isn't. And I suspect that if you ask most Japanese when the last time they ate whale was...they would respond that it's been years. It really isn't that common. And isn't it true that taxpayers are actually paying for this so called "research."

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Is there some area in Japan where whale meat is eaten?

It's not uncommon in supermarkets and izakayas.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

where people understand you

Talking about understanding... I think you are having problems understanding my point.

I am saying, it is very greedy to travel 1000s and 1000s of kilometers, to a precious, beautiful and pristine environment to grab resources.

The Antarctic is on the other side of the globe!!

There are big opportunities for Japan to cooperate with other countries to protect such a special environment.

But what does Japan do?

It greedily kills large mammals for it's "food culture".

This is the selfish and arrogant behavior I am talking about.

Actually, personally speaking, I think it's OK to eat whale meat.

I have done so myself.

But it's a tiny niche market in Japan.

Only "oyaji" want to eat it.

There are plenty of whales near Japan.

More than enough for the oyaji to have whale in the izakaya.

If Japan wants to protect its food culture then it should take whales near Japan.

Its greedy and arrogant for a country to grab large mammals 1000s and 1000s of kilometers away.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

wish this forum had en edit function.

Of course I mean in the previous post

If there are reduced numbers because of pollution and sickness wouldn't that be a good reason to NOT catch them for food?

tinawatanabe.

I have tired to describe in detail several reasons that I think Japan should consider dropping this practice in a logical, non emotional way, your only reply seems to be that of a spoilt child.. something alongs the lines of stamping your feet and screaming "but I want to"..

You have repeatedly made assumptions about me and my positions and been completely incorrect.

Despite not wanting it to happen I'm not necessarily opposed to small catches, but this dishonest scientific research loophole is not the way, I also think that Japan should take into consideration other countries positions and perhaps limit well monitored small catches to its own territorial waters.. if is so important.

To a large degree I think Japan should for the most part do as it pleases in its own territory, however the oceans are a resource for the world.

Can I give you some advice.. Don't let your love of your country blind you from the issues at hand.

Every country has good and bad, I love Japan and it is my home too, I pay taxes, my family is Japanese.. My money funding this is something Im opposed too and I am open and free to say so, as are you to support it.. but supporting it simply because you see it as being "japanese" is the kind of nationalistic thinking that causes big problems.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

You really need to get out more often. Whale meat can easily be found in countless numbers of places in supermarkets and sushi shops throughout Japan.

Completely untrue!! 16 years in Japan, travelled extensively with my work here and never seen it in more than 3 places! Yamaguchi, Hiroshima and Tokyo (once). My son's school banned whale meat despite the local government demanding that they put it on the menu, approximately 9 years ago. Some of my Japanese work colleagues have never even eaten it! Anyone who thinks whaling is justified through false facts is deluding only themselves!

4 ( +7 / -3 )

@Tina, we are all living in Japan, some for more than ten or twenty years or so. The topic is not about other countries, its about Japan. i think people don't want to change Japan, they just want the best for this country.

4 ( +5 / -2 )

Japan’s additional material had failed to clear all doubts about whether “lethally obtained data” would contribute to management and conservation of whales, calling on Japan to provide even more analysis.

And here is the total farce behind Japan's claim of research whaling. Research whaling is done to conserve and take care of the populations. Not to discover how many of them can be brutally slaughtered for commercial gain. The IWC will never allow Japan to legally carry out commercial whaling. The IWC was set up stop commercial whaling. The only Japan will be able to start commercial whaling is by dropping of the IWC, which will make them poachers.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

The world should absolutely not compromise with Japan on whaling. The only proper course is the continuous shaming of Japan as a rogue nation that ignores what is acceptable as an international standard and does things its own way, then Japan as whole is hurt as whole. Japan needs to be taught a lesson here.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Is there some area in Japan where whale meat is eaten?

It's not uncommon in supermarkets and izakayas.

Yes it is. Occasionally you will see whale at either of the above, but it's not common, it's the exception.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Tinawatanabe.

I appears you haven't taken on a single thing anyone has said, no replied in any reasonable way to the points raised.

Do you think anyone should be able to do whatever they like?

So I guess you are fine with China doing whatever it likes in international waters near Japan too?

3 ( +7 / -4 )

@tinawatanabe

The Japanese people are saying this white cultural imperiallism

It is Japan that is greedily grabbing whales in the Antarctic.

It looks very greedy of Japan to send ships 1000s and 1000s of kilometers away to an area completely unconnected to Japan to kill large mammals...

For what?

To protect Japan's precious " food culture"!

Japan is the country mposing its culture.

Japan is arrogantly forcing its culture on the Antartic.

Japan has been trying to project an image of its country as "Cool Japan" around the world.

Now we see another side of Japan.

Greedy and arrogant Japan.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

@Yubaru

So what you're saying is that in certain areas, it is quite common to see, although these areas are relatively small in number around Japan. And even when it is seen, it is considered a "delicacy" to be enjoyed by the people who visit maybe once every few years, except for the rich who have money to spend?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Vital? Given that almost every Japanese person I know has only rarely and in several cases never eaten it I don't think vital is even close to the right word.

There are some whales so they must not be endangered? that doesn't make any sense...

While I agree there are pollution problems commercial whaling was absolutely the cause of the near extinction of several whale species.. some have recovered to sustainable amounts Im sure, however once again, even if it were possible to harvest a sustainable amount should we?

If there are reduced numbers because of pollution and sickness wouldn't that be a good reason to catch them for food?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Arrogance rules the wave.

For what? For why? A few hangers on to another myth of 'What they are'.

One restaurant in Shibuya. Not in any way a staple or main source of protein. No to hunting whales with factory ships.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

@tina ah once again your nationalistic views surface, you make it sound like whaling is all of Japans culture when its actually only a small minority. most Japanese have never hunted or even eat whale meat. Theres nothing cultural about a fleet of modern ships traveling 1000s km to a part of the world nearly all Japanese have never been too, to hunt whales using a steel explosive tip harpoon. your so blind by your views you protect Japan whatever the subject. might be time for a black paint touch up on your van

2 ( +3 / -1 )

And you love Japan more if Japan behaved like your home country. no hed probably love Japan if it acted like a rational member of the international community, your nationalistic views and others like you are what gives Japan its bad image.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

how can you pollute the ocean by hunting?

By leaking/spilling fuel from the ship.

In whaling, after the meat has been removed the rest of the carcass is dumped overboard.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

So much for Japan's respect for international law.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

zichiJ UN. 21, 2015 - 12:13PM JST I have stated numerous times on JT that all commercial activities in the Antarctic should stop and be banned to protect the fragile nature.

Can you explain that a small-scale whaling carried out today in Japan is sustainable whaling rooted in long tradition and distinctive cultures that make effective use of the entire whale for food and for other useful purposes? Which species are actually being extintct or suststainable?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Yubaru,

My experience has been the same as Maxjapank's and Toshiko's. I see whale meat very rarely. I wondered if perhaps there was some part of Japan where they consume it.

This was your reply:

You really need to get out more often. Whale meat can easily be found in countless numbers of places in supermarkets and sushi shops throughout Japan.

Yubaru-san. Is it so difficult to answer a question without adding some kind of insult?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Hunting and killing whales is not a productive means of providing food. To stop Japan's archaic whale hunts, it would be best to target any company that does whaling, sells products to whalers and any company associated with the whaling industry. Hit them where it hurts most and that is not their conscious but their wallets.

1 ( +4 / -2 )

I've heard the Japanese use everything, do no waste anything, so I don't believe they dump anything.

Then you heard wrong.

One way the SS boats use to find the whaling ships is to follow the trail of blood and offal in the water. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-reese-halter/shepherding-the-great-sou_b_4699150.html Fifth pic down.

even if they do, it becomes food for other fish, not pollution.

A sudden huge input of organic matter (the guts of hundreds of whales is a huge input) does become food for other fish (other fish? Whales are not fish), upsets the natural balance and is therefore in itself a form of biological pollution.

Why is the Antarctic a fragile place? I don't believe you.

Instead of stamping your pretty little foot and pouting 'I don't believe you', why don't you do a bit of research yourself before you sound off about everybody being against you?

Antarctica is a fragile ecosystem because, for one thing, with virtually no vegetable matter larger than plankton available, all life there depends on all other links in the food chain, more so than in warmer climates. Artificially strengthen or weaken one link, and the whole ecosystem is affected. The growth of depletion of any species there affects all other species.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

A long time ago, when Taiyou Gyogyou was promoting whale meat, it used to tell that whale is fish. The time was when Japanese culture was meat eating degrade their body.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Look, anyone who believes it is about culture or science or international law or managing nature (?) is naive. It is about job preservation of a few superannuated bureaucrats, in this case from the ministry - Agriculture, Fisheries and Food - which is probably the most adept at creating such jobs. Look up all the amakudari quangos they have created if you don't believe me. These bureaucrats then have to justify their position and that they will do in any way they can. There are some regular fall-back justifications, such as "safety", but alleged tradition and its preservation is another, even while the bureaucracy, from Meiji times onwards, has decimated traditions whenever expedient.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

tinawatanabe.

You clearly not capable of a reasonable conversation.. I will no longer be taking part in this conversation

0 ( +0 / -0 )

tina your racism toward white westerners is disgusting, its not just white westerners that are against whaling.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Oh come on mods, you don't delete the bickering rants of twatnabe.

Moderator: You're the offender. In fact, the level of your comments is among the lowest on the discussion board. Please do better.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Zichi.

What would be a humane way to kill a whale?

Exploding harpoon tips have been used for over 100yrs before Japan started large scale whaling and was copied from the USA, Nirwaye and other whaling nations. Only reason why most countriex stopped whaling is because petroleum replaced whale blubber as a cheaper and easier alternative.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

tina

I want more whale meat in Izakayas or supermarket to support Japan's postition (sic).

Yes dear, it's all about you.

Who wants to be told what not to eat by other countries?

Fine, I'll have a sacred crane on toast from the imperial palace garden. Tiger, white rhino anyone?

Whaling has never been decided by a vote or referendum...... In a way yes

Japan has been rebuffed in both the IWC and the international courts. That sounds like a pretty robust rejection by the international community- I seem to remember the Japanese government promising to follow the directions of this court, though not unexpectedly, they are changing their tune now that things have not gone their way. The whaling issue was not voted on, because there was no referendum- you may be referring to the general election. Like most general elections, it was fought on economic and security issues. Perhaps it would be different if the Japanese public were aware of the extent to which they're paying for the amakudari of a few aging nationalists in this anachronistic mission to travel across the world in traditional wooden boats- sorry I meant giant factory ships, to preserve Japan's 'traditional food culture'- or was that 'scientific research'... I always forget..

By the way, you should take a closer look at the countries against Japanese whaling in the IWC, there are more than four- though that doesn't sit well with your racist agenda.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Is there some area in Japan where whale meat is eaten?

You really need to get out more often. Whale meat can easily be found in countless numbers of places in supermarkets and sushi shops throughout Japan.

It is also available in can form, like canned tuna as well. It's not everywhere but it is not as unusual as you would like to think it is, you have to look for it.

It is also seen here in Okinawa as well, in fact folks often overlook the fact that fishermen in Nago have a similar practice to those in Taji, and the meat is called whale.

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

Countless" portrays that it is common

It is less common than before, but more common than none at all. It is on menus in high end yaki niku places, and common in fish markets, supermarkets in fishing areas also commonly carry it. Just because it isnt everywhere does not change the fact that it is still common, to be found, in countless numbers of places.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Yes there WAS a custom in eating whale meat. It is not a modern custom and most people in Japan think it is disgusting. It is political payback to honest Abe's supporters.

-1 ( +8 / -10 )

Such arrogance from Japan as always.

Rape the oceans Japan. Rape them! You won't be happy until they're decimated.

No ocean, no planet. No planet, no life.

It ain't rocket science.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Just keep on scratching this scab

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

If it is sure that whales are not on the verge of extinct, then I don't think there's anything wrong with hunting them.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Hopefully there is still enough whale around till next generation.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Send Tinatwatnabe to the Antartic .... Her (?) attitude and the small minded group she belongs to is casting bad light on Japan, whether the subject be whales, immigration, wartime atrocities, they'll always defend to the death.

Off to the Antarctic with you, and good riddance.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

strongly forcing their whale loving culture on Japan

Japan has been forcing its culture on the Antarctic.

It's cultural imperialism by Japan.

Does Japanese "food culture" include the Antarctic??!!

It's greedy of Japan to travel to the opposite side of the globe to grab large mammals.

I think we have to change the image of Japan.

It's not "Cool Japan"...

...it's "Greedy Japan".

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Japan says it hopes to resume whaling later this year

Bad choice, Japan. Very bad

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

tina, whales didn't feature in my school education any more prominently than e.g. chimpanzees or elephants (and I don't have a particular love for whales over chimpanzees or elephants), and what does that have to do with the question I asked you anyway? My opposition to Japan's whaling is mostly on the grounds that I am a japanese taxpayer and it is a complete waste of money. From an economic perspective (and ignoring my nationality) don't you think it's highly questionable for the government to spend billions of yen on annual Antarctic whale hunts when there are more pressing concerns in Tohoku, the pension department, and elsewhere? Especially considering that the low level of demand for whale meat in Japan could easily be met by coastal whaling without any need for the Antarctic program, don't you think it would make sense to scrap the Antarctic program and focus on supporting traditional coastal whaling towns like Taiji and Ayukawa? (I'm not attacking you so please don't feel you have to be defensive in your reply!)

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Good point

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Then Japan should quit IWC.

Yes, they should. But since they don't, they are obligated to follow the rules of the IWC. The fact that they remain as members of the IWC says that the government doesn't agree with you.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Taiyo Gyogyou in Shimonoseki was whaling for a long time. It is in Abe's YamaguchiKen, However, From there to about Hiroshima, Seto Naikai (Inland Sea) had plenty of different shrimps and crabs. So Whale meats were sold somewhere else in Japan. So, many people along inland sea never touched whale meat.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

So what you're saying is that in certain areas, it is quite common to see, although these areas are relatively small in number around Japan. And even when it is seen, it is considered a "delicacy" to be enjoyed by the people who visit maybe once every few years, except for the rich who have money to spend?

What I am saying is that it is readily available for those who want it, even here in Okinawa. I have eaten it, and it is not to my liking, and I agree that the whaling should stop, and I also believe that the people who make it a part of "all" Japanese culture are off the mark, but that does not change the fact that it exists, more commonly than people think.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

If the rest of the World hates whaling, why do Japanese officials always make an announcement to the media?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I have a question. People are saying no one even eats whale or dolphin meat in Japan, or at least hardly. So what are the incentives of these "fishermen" to hunt them when no one would really buy this type of meat? People are saying it's because of money, but who's buying it and what is being done with these products? Are they used for none-food purposes?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

So much for Japan's respect for international law.

So what international law are they not respecting?

Japan has been forcing its culture on the Antarctic.

Culture is a human concept, it can hardly be applied to an area without a human population.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Yes, they should. But since they don't, they are obligated to follow the rules of the IWC.

Which they do, even though the IWC won't follow its own rules. The fact that the IWC has never accused Japan of violating the rules says they disagree with most of the anti-whalers.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Best news I've heard this year! It'll give those Seashepherd Loonies and their vegetarian and vegan supporters something to complain about!!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

This is just one more confirmation that those really controlling Japan, are not the governement, but the industrialists.

But this is not surprising because as a study of Japan over the last 400 years explains, it was the warlords and then the industrialists that designed the structure of Japan as it is today. In fact if you go back in history you will find that the existing royal family structure, never existed then either.

And it is that structure that creates a unique situation that exists in few other countries - the fact that organised crime is able to openily exist in Japanese society - under the name "Yakuza", and work hand in hand with both the government and the industrialists - a situation that could never exist in most western countries. Fascinating indeed.

I also suspect that this has much to do why Japan can never really apologize for WW2. And that is because such an apology would open the door to financial compensation, which the government (i.e. the industrialists and the organised crime families) would havge yo pay. And of course that would never be acceptable to them.

I feel so sad for the average Japanese person because if they really knew how each part of their lives is controlled and manipulated by these groups - under the guise of being a legitimate government, they would have more reason to rise up than the people in China who are also controlled in every respect simply for the benefit of the government.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

“The primary danger to the whales is a newcomer, an upstart animal, only recently, through technology, become competent in the oceans, a creature that calls itself human” by Sagan, Carl. “Cosmos.” And "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe" by Albert Einstein

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

@Yoshitsune

Your love toward the whales was probably build up in your mind while growing up in your country either US/Aussie/NZ/UK, where probably the whales appeared in your school educations. Otherwise I don't think you have such a strong attachment to the animal. But in Japan, people are not interested.

@zichi

Whaling has never been decided by a vote or referendum

In a way yes. Abe clearly expressed Japan's intention to continue the practice on TV. Nobody raised objections, no opposition parties no public raised the issue. Also, Abe was re-elected OK.

Anti-whaling is the sentiment from US/Aussi/NZ/UK, it is unlikely that the Japanese people would vote for those 4 coutries and against Japan if referendum was held.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

We could buy whale meats at supermarkets and fishmongers until 1987. Japanese begun whale hunting 8000 years ago. Japan was poor country, their nutritional status had been bad and meats, above all beef, were expensive. So there was custom to eat whale meats.

-4 ( +9 / -13 )

Japan is likely only country which eats whales because meals prepare with whale meat is vital part traditional cooking. Whales are not likely engendered from simply overeating them if this was truth last whale would be eaten hundreds years ego. Real problem here is pollution of global ocean system which decimate whale population by making them sick.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Tina,

If you think that like, the problem is the whaling the ICR practises is not Japanese-style whaling. It's Norwegian style whaling and the current industry was re-built by the Americans in order to supply it with valuable oil. Japan only got the 'waste' meat.

It's not Japanese.

If the few villages that practised whaling go back to traditional whaling, they will get a free pass.

It's the multiple levels of hypocrisies that are most offending, and the usurping of true Japanese values by a handful of bureaucrats and industry men.

It's just not Japanese. It's not bunka.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

The problem with that argument is that the whales live in the oceans of the world. They belong to the world,

Actually they belong to no one, until they are caught then they belong to whoever caught them. At least that is what the UN, representing the world, says about international waters.

Hopefully there is still enough whale around till next generation.

For all the hunted species, there are.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

It is difficult to know what proportion of Japanese "support" whaling and what proportion are just swept along by the politics whipped up by the Fisheries Agencies.

The majority support the whaling. !. Abe expresesed support hunting when US Embassy demand stopping and nobody objected Abe, (only natural that the Japanese grew up in whale hunting) 2. The white culture countries have been criticizing the hunting for decades but there were no big rallies to go along with those countries among the Japanese exept 1 small rally of 10 or so people. 3. You can read Japanese language articles or ask the Japanese people, almost nobody support the white culture countries. In fact, they are angry at those countries.

I guess the best reflection is the market, which is dying.

Then the white culture countries should let the market to decide instead of forcing their culture on Japan.

Unfortunately, Tina, it is an international issue as Japan goes outside of its own waters, and it is an international issue on a moral level. Humanity is evolving from nationalistic views into global ones.

It is not an international issue, it is white culture countries issue. The majority of international worlds where people are not brainwashed as whales are some kind of divine animal or something like US, Aussi, NZ, UK do don't care.

If Japan must, why not just invest in making cruelty free artificial whale meat in a factory?

What is artificial whale meat?

For all the millions they have wasted, and tonnes of pollution they've pumped into the Antarctic

I don't think you can waste money for food, and how can you pollute the ocean by hunting?

they could have completed the task by now.

I think you grew up in a white culture country, Luce-A.

Moderator: The word "white" is not relevant to this discussion.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

The majority support the whaling.

Probably correct if Japanese were asked but the majority don't buy or eat whale meat so that support it very limited.

If the Japanese are asked they support the wahling. That is the important thing. In democracy it is decided by vote, not by buying or eating. This is not a food issue any more since US/Aussi/NZ/EU strongly forcing their whale loving culture on Japan. Those countries have been forcing Japan for decades, but what have they got? I want more whale meat in Izakayas or supermarket to support Japan's postition. Who wants to be told what not to eat by other countries?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

It is difficult to know what proportion of Japanese "support" whaling and what proportion are just swept along by the politics whipped up by the Fisheries Agencies.

I guess the best reflection is the market, which is dying.

Unfortunately, Tina, it is an international issue as Japan goes outside of its own waters, and it is an international issue on a moral level. Humanity is evolving from nationalistic views into global ones.

If Japan must, why not just invest in making cruelty free artificial whale meat in a factory?

For all the millions they have wasted, and tonnes of pollution they've pumped into the Antarctic, they could have completed the task by now.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

go big sushi

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Japan's will face World condemnation and consecquences for it's ongoing disregard in protecting what remains of declining whale populations.Japan is on a path that will ensure it's own demise by failing to protect species in great decline.On this issue I find Japan totally irresponsible and ask it's citizens to reconsider taking such actions killing off the World's declining whale populations !!

None of the species Japan hunts have declining populations.

Not to discover how many of them can be brutally slaughtered for commercial gain.

That is an opinion. Japan wishes to resume commercial whaling and thus the data you claim is not research is EXACTLY the research they have to do to prove that commercial hunting can be done sustainably. That is the same reason the IWC's comment about 'contribute to management and conservation of whales' is silly. Japan isn't collecting data for the reasons of a decidedly anti-hunting group.

The IWC will never allow Japan to legally carry out commercial whaling. The IWC was set up stop commercial whaling.

The IWC was set up to regulate the HUNTING of whales NOT to stop it. It is right in their charter. And the IWC's moratorium explicitly requires periodic reviews to determine if a species has reached a level where sustainable commercial hunting can be resumed. They have yet to complete a single review even though their own regulations required them to complete it by 1990.

The only Japan will be able to start commercial whaling is by dropping of the IWC, which will make them poachers.

If they drop out of the IWC then the IWC regulations won't apply and they will NOT be poachers. Or are you claiming the Canada is engaging in whale poaching?

most people in Japan think it is disgusting

Except in recent polls most people in Japan support whaling.

The world should absolutely not compromise with Japan on whaling.

Most of the world aren't even members of the IWC because most of the world doesn't care about whales one way or the other.

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

@choiwaru

Japan is arrogantly imposing its culture on the Antarctic.

Your ancestor came from up north to down south all over. And now you are in Japan telling Japan what to do, and Japan is arrogant?

Japan should stop this cultural imperialism.

The Japanese people are saying this white cultural imperiallism.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

In whaling, after the meat has been removed the rest of the carcass is dumped overboard.

I've heard the Japanese use everything, do no waste anything, so I don't believe they dump anything. And even if they do, it becomes food for other fish, not pollution.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Why is the Antarctic a fragile place? I don't believe you. Anti-hunting people are so eager to bash only Japan.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

NJ2011

You may be using more words than I but only describing unrelated things like China, friends, waste of money, etc.

You left your country where people love whales, and came to a whale hunting country and demand the host country to behave the way the country you left behave.

Japan is confident that Japan is right and you are wrong. I don't understand why you think your idea should be priority in Japan. ( Here is the point I come to conclude as white superiority)

the oceans are a resource for the world.

Japan wouldn't object if the world hunt.

Don't let your love of your country blind you from the issues at hand

I was thinking the same thing. Don't let your love of whales blind you from the issue at hand.

I love Japan and it is my home too

And you love Japan more if Japan behaved like your home country.

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

Zichi

There are so many former traditions which are no longer suitable in the modern life.

I think the Japanese people can decide what is no longer suitable for Japan without your lecture.

Japan is forcing their culture on other people.

No, you are forcing your culture on the Japanese.

.. especially by travelling to another part of the planet, which "traditionally" has nothing to do with Japan.

It is international waters, nothing to do with NZ.

-15 ( +5 / -19 )

NZ2011

I appears you haven't taken on a single thing anyone has said, no replied in any reasonable way to the points raised.

Did you?

Do you think anyone should be able to do whatever they like?

Do you? It seems it is you who think you can do whatever you like over Japan.

So I guess you are fine with China doing whatever it likes in international waters near Japan too?

What Japan is doing is not illegal and does not affect anybody or any sustainablity, except your strange affection over the animal. You should stop this nonsense.

-15 ( +2 / -17 )

we are all living in Japan, some for more than ten or twenty years or so

Ten or twenty years isn't long enough. Do you listen to ten or twenty years old kids?

they just want the best for this country.

If they think Japan is greedy and arrogant, it would be difficult for them to seel what is the best for this country.

i think people don't want to change Japan

I think they do a lot.

-17 ( +1 / -17 )

Guess we will have a new season of whale wars. Perhaps a new group needs to be formed with no Americans. After all American law applies to them worldwide. This should be interesting...

-18 ( +5 / -22 )

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