O'Barry ordered deported from Japan

Another FAIL by Japan. Are you really so sensitive? The best thing you could have done was ignore him.

Fail? When the UK is talking of banning visits by a leading US presidential candidate? Banning a documentary film-maker doesn't come close to that.

Deport is the wrong term. Denied entry is the correct term. One is deported only if the have entered the country legally or illegally and go through a formal deportation hearing. In this case he was denied entry at the port of entry which is a different proceedure.

Quick comparison:

Pamela Anderson shows up with Paul Watson (you know the guy leading Sea Shepherd, the group named as terrorist by Japan) in Paris in the french Assembly to condemn force-feeding of geese. Whatever you think about her action and how she does it, she was allowed to open a debate and express her thinking. France did not arrest her in Paris and deport her in order to defend producers of "foie gras" or the culture of France.

Ric O’Barry, an actor who played in a movie (Academy Award for best documentary) that raised rightfully concerns about a violent and cruel practice in Japan against dolphins for the unique sake of making business, tries to enter in Japan. He gets arrested and will get deported....

Make your own conclusion about which of these two countries is the one called civilized and forward thinking with respect to freedom of people.

The cove movie contain a lot of fake information about Japan . Yet, It is Japan freedom to deport anybody who does not adhere to laws and norms .

Welcome to the People's Republic of China. Oh, wait, sorry, its Japan. I was confused for a minute because this is the sort of stuff China does.

Complete idiots. Seriously. All they had to do was let this guy do his thing, gone home and it would have been a total non-event.

But, no. And, of course, this is now going global. Already. And, I can well imagine that O'Barry will go back to the U.S., raise a stink with his friends in Hollywood. And what do you bet that this then becomes a bigger deal??

Japanese bureaucrats. With not a clue.

Guilty until proven innocent! I'm sure they could find some charges that were true instead of just making up garbage. While O'Barry does share similar views to the of SS, he is not associated with them. If this is the case, could I be deported for my donations to SS? Ridiculous!!!

I find this man aggravating. He MUST go.

Censorship! Even if he had lied and had ties with the SS (which he doesn't) that no grounds to deport him. He hasn't done anything wrong.

It is like arresting people because they look like they might commit a crime!

this is the sort of stuff China does

this is the sort of stuff any country does, denying the entry of PNG. O'Barry is using Japan for his publicity and fund-raising at the cost of Japanese people's inconvenience and sufferings.

What did he expect? A red carpet?

O’Barry has been questioned by Japanese immigration before, but this is the first time he has been detained and barred from entry.

Interesting. How can this piece reconcile with the news in last September?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-01/ric-obarry-arrested-in-japan-ahead-of-dolphin-hunt/6741908

Animal rights activist Ric O'Barry arrested in Japan ahead of Taiji dolphin hunting season

Posted 1 Sep 2015, 8:49pm

Ha! Off you go....bye!

What a foolish move. Not only has this focused a lot of attention on the dolphin slaughter but also on Japanese deportation and freedom of expression practices in a region which is sorely lacking

He made a movie about dolphin killing in Japan. The Japanese government did not need to take official ownership of it. By denying him entry, they did. And, they also unnecessarily publically limited freedom of speech

tinawatanabe: "this is the sort of stuff any country does"

Yes, countries like North Korea and China when they don't like the message the person has made PERSONALLY. The beauty of Japan going against this man's rights and basically human rights in general is that he is bringing more attention to the whaling issue and also the dolphin hunting, and his movie is becoming popular again -- which also means increased tourism for Taiji!

I've had a couple of people ask me this week about if what really happens in The Cove happens and I've told them not only is it true, but it's much worse, and now Japan is deporting people who were involved in the movie, and incarcerating people with trumped up charges (I added that this falls on the heal of the man who died during incarceration, and that the authorities were let off Scott free, as well as the fact Japan doesn't allow refugees, etc.).

Not everyone behaves like this at all, tina -- Japan is the new China.

O’Barry has been questioned by Japanese immigration before, but this is the first time he has been detained and barred from entry.

Interesting. How can this piece reconcile with the news in last September?

It doesn't look to be immigration that arrested him in September, so there is no contradiction.

Officials and fishermen in Taiji have defended the hunt as traditional, saying that eating dolphin meat is no different than eating beef or chicken.

Except that dolphins are sentient animals and not farmed ruminants or domesticated fowl bred for the table.

And so they should refuse him entry ---he is aligned with the fanatical vegan and Sea Shepherd loonies who would have us all on diet of mung beans and vegemite--if they could1

What was that recently about Japan being a democracy?

RashadozJAN. 22, 2016 - 04:31PM JST

The cove movie contain a lot of fake information about Japan . Yet, It is Japan freedom to deport anybody who does not adhere to laws and norms .

You say 'a lot', I say 'name one' fake information that was in that movie.

Its Bobby Fisher all over again. Okay ric is not being deported he is being re-ported, back. To his, home port. Japan 1, dolphins 0. Game over

Interesting that Immigration 'can not comment' on individual cases, but can handle and kick out individuals without showing profs of their allegations to media when they call for it.

What was he expecting to happen? Red carpet with little Kimono girls and flowers? Was already wondering how long the Japan Government is keeping up with the freakish antics of this jerk.

Or is that dolphins 1, Japan 0 ?

StrangerlandJAN. 22, 2016 - 06:22PM JST

It doesn't look to be immigration that arrested him in September, so there is no contradiction.

He was arrested because he was not carrying his passport. I think arresting foreigners who do not carry passports is immigration's job.

dcog9065JAN. 22, 2016 - 06:04PM JST

Japanese deportation and freedom of expression practices in a region which is sorely lacking

Oh, I think freedom of expression has nothing to do with this case, because O'Barry came to Japan "to look at dolphins." See?

But he has refused to leave, insisting he came as a tourist to look at dolphins.

Anyone who tells lies to immigration officials should be deported. I think it is hard to believe he came to Japan just to look at dolphins.

"freakish antics"? What exactly, Sapporodenki, constitutes "freakish antics"? Does that imply exposing the mass killing of dolphins or is there something else that qualifies for that bizarre label? You sound like a moron.

CH3CHO: "Anyone who tells lies to immigration officials should be deported. I think it is hard to believe he came to Japan just to look at dolphins."

Prove he's lying. If he says that's why he came and has done nothing else, you canNOT say he is lying and deport him for lying, because he has not lied -- it is YOU saying what you THINK he is or is not doing without a shred of evidence and with but a buttload of bias and discrimination.

So, CH3CHO, how do you know he was lying?

I think arresting foreigners who do not carry passports is immigration's job.

Incorrect. It's the job of the police. it was the police who pulled him over and arrested him. Every time I've been stopped and asked to show my gaijin card it has been by regular cops. (I was also once arrested, as I was just nipping to the conbini and didn't take my card wallet; nipping to the conbini became hours in the police station! Nothing to do with immigration)

eating dolphin meat is no different than eating beef or chicken.

It's quite a bit different, it often contains substantial amounts of mercury, as do whales and certain fish over a certain size and age. If you want to have children, avoid eating dolphin, whale, large bluefin tuna, or barracuda, and if you have children, don't let them eat it either. If you are fully grown, and are not going to have children, don't worry about it.

He was arrested because he was not carrying his passport. I think arresting foreigners who do not carry passports is immigration's job.

In much of the world, it is considered prudent for tourists to keep their passports in a secure location, such as a hotel safe, rather than carrying them on their persons. And tourists to Japan are not generally informed that they are required to carry them; O'Barry was guilty of nothing more than an innocent mistake, "illegal" as it may have been. We still don't know why the police pulled his car over.

And you think that permanently banning someone from the country for this misdemeanor is reasonable?

I shudder to think of what you would propose if Mr. O'Barry had been driving 5 km over the speed limit!

Moron? Hoops. Who knows. However, dear Seamac, thanks for the consideration. Sounds like the great tolerance levels being executed from across the big waters." And if you dare say or do something we don't like we have means". Like this jerk with an affinity for Dolphins, upsetting the people of Wakayama and the rest of Japan. Nonetheless , he learned his lesson, and might be focusing on more interesting targets, like China, Russia or the like with all their nasty habits. Couple of years in a Siberian re- education camp would certainly straighten him out.

Japan's treatment of this man speaks volumes. Even IF he's part of some anti-whaling group, so what? What's the worst this old guy can do? Yell nonchalantly at people who can't even understand what he's saying?

Is it that wrong for someone to have a different opinion? Is Abe and the gang gonna start deporting their own citizens to "detention" facilities if they have differing views on a subject? Is Japan democratic or not? If you're going to adopt western mannerisms (and currency), then adopt western ideologies too. I don't care if you like eating chickens, cows, whales, dolphins, cats or dogs, people have eaten worse in adult films. The point still stands that democracy goes hand in hand with freedom; the freedom of speech, the freedom to think for yourself, the freedom of living life your own way, and the freedom to eat highly intelligent and cute mammals. You don't get to pick and choose your own definitions of the word.

By the way, there's another country that operates in the same way, they just did some nuclear tests the other day.

If we deport everyone who is critical, or who is questioning something, in a "democratic and free" society, of a country that wants to be an international leader. Than this country may be moving closer to Fascism and further away from democracy. Certainly not a leader, nor beacon for the international comunity.

I'm sorry for the Dolphins but we need them as a source of food. So people shouldn't get in the way. It's part of Japanese culture. But we don't eat them recently.

ThonTaddeoJAN. 22, 2016 - 08:10PM JST

We still don't know why the police pulled his car over.

Last September, O'Barry ate dinner at a local restaurant in Wakayama, and drove his car. Someone informed the police that he was driving after drinking alcohol. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/09/02/national/eve-dolphin-hunt-cops-nab-u-s-activist-obarry-cove-fame-not-passport/#.VqIQDenovDd http://bigstory.ap.org/article/1538311fb4fa42a58a89bbf64983d0b7/american-anti-dolphin-hunt-activist-arrested-japan

ThonTaddeoJAN. 22, 2016 - 08:10PM JST

And you think that permanently banning someone from the country for this misdemeanor is reasonable?

This time, the reason was not his previous charge, but that he did not write the true "purpose of visit" in the travel document.

Like this jerk with an affinity for Dolphins, upsetting the people of Wakayama and the rest of Japan.

So, his affinity for dolphins makes him a jerk?! God forbid! As for upsetting "the rest of Japan," hardly the case. Japan is not one homogenous group the way its often portrayed, and there are plenty of people opposed to the dolphin hunt.

As for being denied entry into Japan, hardly a first: http://www.yoshabunko.com/citizenship/McLean_v_MOJ_1978.html

Personally, I have got mixed thoughts.

Except that dolphins are sentient animals and not farmed ruminants or domesticated fowl bred for the table.

There is no such a rule in the International Law. The westerners are making up the stupid rule unilaterally and there is no international law that says Japanese have to obey the stupid rules the westerners are making unilaterally.

When the UK is talking of banning visits by a leading US presidential candidate? Banning a documentary film-maker doesn't come close to that

If Donald was refused entry to the UK at the airport, I guess you'd think he was being held on trumped up charges too.

A step backwards for Japan and the acceptance of animal rights campaigners.

@Rashadoz

Could youlist some of the lies about Japan that The Cove contains...I'll be waiting.

The westerners are making up the stupid rule unilaterally and there is no international law that says Japanese have to obey the stupid rules the westerners are making unilaterally.

What stupid rule are you talking about? What on earth is your post supposed to be saying?

Japan, you have got it wrong. Again! This decision is very petty, and foolish.

Do they say it's for science

Unfair people don't seem to care what the westerners do only what the Japanese do. So UK doesn't have to say anything about themselves but many Brits here criticize Japan

The new China, tina...

Dolphin eating is old tradition nothing new.

"O'Barry came over the ocean, O'Barry came over the sea, O'Barry came over the ocean and now he's been deported you see. "

PS. In the name of research a few years ago, in another Asian nation, I dined on some dolphin meat, in a, ginger flavored stew, and to be honest it Was oiahii! Tasted a bit like chicken. Or rabbit. Or farm outdoor sugar cane rat. I eat everything, even natto.

Deported because he thought he could use his freedom of speech in this country, pathetic.

There is no such a rule in the International Law. The westerners are making up the stupid rule unilaterally and there is no international law that says Japanese have to obey the stupid rules the westerners are making unilaterally.

Go back seventy years or so and you could quite easily add the Geneva convention to the list of "..stupid rules the westerners are making unilaterally", right..?

A step backwards for Japan and the acceptance of animal rights campaigners.

And one step forward for the fascist state.

Censorship! Even if he had lied and had ties with the SS (which he doesn't) that no grounds to deport him. He hasn't done anything wrong.

Actually, he has just been denied entry. They do not need any reason to deny entry.

Dolphin eating is old tradition nothing new.

All sorts of things are "traditional" in that they were done in a previous era. Most "traditional" things were dropped by Japan as soon as they could.

zootmoney

...or only when the Brits are being pompous in dispensing their ethnocentric judgements?

So it's only Brits being singled out here, is it? No yanks having a problem with all of this?

Here's the thing. If we thought for one second this deportation was happening for a legitimate reason, by which I mean a reason other than sour grapes because this guy - quite rightly - made Japan look bad in his documentary, then I'd be happy enough to see it happen. But we aren't because it apparently isn't. So, bollocks to all of this "Immigration officials said they cannot comment on individual cases", that's simply hiding the facts. Japan has a very long history of avoiding the uncomfortable.

So, can Japan hunt and eat what it likes? Sure, within its borders. And beyond its borders as well, subject to international laws and regulations that Japan adheres to.

So, can Japan refuse entry to and deport whoever it likes for whatever reason? Sure, that comes with national sovereignty.

If a Japanese believes Japan should be free to hunt, kill and eat dolphins and if a Japanese believes that Japan can refuse entry to and/or deport a non-Japanese who is vocal about the killing of dolphins, then OK. That's one's prerogative. And it is the prerogative of the Japanese government to take a similar stance.

And if the stance of such Japanese and the Japanese government is, essentially, the equivalent of the PRC's usual line of "stop meddling in the internal affairs of our country", that is its prerogative too.

However, it is the prerogative of those outside of Japan to then view Japan accordingly.

Beyond that, if the Japanese people and/or the Japanese government wants to preserve these practices and avoid international condemnation, then the best way to do that is to, effectively, ignore those that try to make an issue of it. However, stupidly, they rise to the occasion. And now, what would have been a non-event will likely become a bigger event. Yes, it may blow over. But it most certainly would have blown over if they had just let this guy do his visit and go back to the U.S. Not now.

Again, sheer stupidity.

Typical JT posters are crying about this, so this means we did the right thing LOL

tinwatanabe: "I'm sure the Japanese are deeply moved to tears knowing you want to see Japan do well and progress like parents."

And yet if you say anything against tina's opinion it 'hurts the feelings of Japanese deeply'. Always condescending and haughty.

"Eating dolphin is supported by the majority. "

Wrong. It is supported by almost NO ONE, even in Japan, tina. Hence they have to force-feed the stockpiles to children. That's right, people -- mercury laden meat to children because no one wants it.

The guy lied on his immigration documents. Any country including your own would deny entry for folks lying on their immigration forms.

He wants to visit Japan to do his business then get a proper visa like the rest of us.

Each nation reserves the right to deny entry for whoever they want. Japan denied entry to Paris Hilton a few years back, I'm sure the same folks here were praising that.

international condemnation

if it involves the majority of all the countries in the world or UNSC resolution. The five westerners countries are not international. .

Again, sheer stupidity.

You say so anything Japan does.

@tinawatanabe,

if it involves the majority of all the countries in the world or UNSC resolution. The five westerners countries are not international. .

Umm, if it is criticism from outside Japan, it is international criticism. Particularly if it is more than one country. By definition. I didn't say worldwide or universal or global.

You say so anything Japan does.

No, I don't. That's utter nonsense. Besides, that misses the point. This was "friendly advice". If this is what Japan really wants to do (hunt and eat dolphin), don't make a martyr out of this man. It just shines a light on his cause and effort. That is the sheer stupidity of it. I was not referring to the actual hunting and eating of dolphin. Which I could describe in equally frank language.

My whole point in my initial post and subsequent post was how Japan handled this gentleman and his visit to Japan. It was not about the underlying issue. Their handling was sheer stupidity.

@Geoff Gillespie

IF O'Barry has broken any law I would be happy to see the back of him. I have the nagging suspicion, though, that that's not what this is all about and that it is actually payback.

The law: (Denial of Landing) Article 5　Any alien who falls under any of the following items shall be denied permission for landing in Japan. (xii)　A person who organizes, or is a member of, or is closely affiliated with any of the following political parties or organizations: (a)　A political party or organization which encourages acts of violence or the assault, killing, or injury of officials of the Government or of local public entities for the reason of their being such officials (b)　A political party or organization which encourages illegal damage or destruction of public facilities (c)　A political party or organization which encourages acts of dispute such as stopping or preventing normal maintenance or operation of security facilities of a plant or place of work (xiii)　A person who attempts to prepare, distribute, or exhibit printed matters, motion pictures, or any other documents or drawings to attain the objectives of any political party or organization prescribed in item (xi) or the preceding item.

Source: http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/detail_main?id=173&vm=2&re=

That's the law. You are aware of what Ric O'Barry does for a living, right?

O’Barry was denied entry not because of some criminal record, but solely because of his opposition to the dolphin slaughter and having given Japan a bad name with that Cove film. That’s all. And it’s sad that it has come to this. Well, childish actually.

Are you, zootmoney, in favour of people being denied entry or deported for no seemingly good reason? For that matter, are you in favour of the mass murder of dolphins?

Apparently, lying to Japanese immigration officials is considered a "good reason" to be denied entry. I'm certainly not in favor of that disgusting slaughter of dolphins and I can't believe some people actually eat their mercury-tainted meat. I would hazard a guess that the vast majority of Japanese don't eat dolphin meat and probably many Japanese are not in favor of what goes on in Wakayama either. But the Japanese have to deal with this in their own way, according to their own ways and culture. And sometimes, the result of "outsiders" trying to force change on a group has the opposite effect because that group does not want to seem weak and easily dominated. For example, Japanese whaling may have decreased rapidly years ago if it was not for the antics of Sea Shepherd and co.

I can't believe some people actually eat their mercury-tainted meat.

Most seafood (if not all) are mercury tainted. There is no evidence that dolphin is particularly more tainted than other food. The Japanese are probably in the longest longevity so why do you care?

I do not like him, nor do I eat dolphin, but this is ethnic profiling on the basis it places Japan in bad lights. One should not kill anything unless it is self defense or you intend to consume as much of it as possible, after all it cost that being its life. As for immigration, 90% of the world requires you to have a valid visa, passport or work permit. In Japan, it is wise for visitors to keep it on your person because you may be legally ask to provide proof at any time.

Leave the dolphins alone you meanies!

Good riddance

Most seafood (if not all) are mercury tainted. There is no evidence that dolphin is particularly more tainted than other food.

Actually, there is.

Tuna 0.97ppm: Bonito 0.17ppm: Dolphin 5.9ppm

http://www.econ.ryukoku.ac.jp/~tlee/seminar-7.files/G3-%E5%A4%AA%E5%9C%B0%E7%94%BA1.pdf

The Japanese are probably in the longest longevity

But not the people in Taiji and other dolphin-eating villages.

National average lifespan: males 80.5, females 86.83

Taiji average lifespan: males 78.5, females 85.4

http://area-info.jpn.org/LifeMale300004.html

Japan’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research has cited mortality figures in Taiji, for 2007, at 67 deaths from a population of some 3,500 residents — putting the town’s overall mortality rate more than 50 percent above many other villages nationwide of roughly the same population. However Kozagawa, west of Taiji, where dolphin meat is also consumed, showed an even higher rate — with 82 deaths from a population of 3,426 people in 2007. Comparable villages of almost similar populations were Hiiezuson, Tottori Prefecture, which posted 31 deaths from a population of 3,110; Akamura, Fukishima, with 29 deaths among 3,387 people; Minamiyamashiromura in Kyoto with 37 deaths among 3,369 residents; Kitoshiobara in Fukishima Prefecture with 38 deaths among 3,307 residents, and Yomogitamura, Aomori Prefecture, with 35 deaths among 3,370 people. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2010/05/23/environment/experts-fear-taiji-mercury-tests-are-fatally-flawed/#.VqJP5jaOUYM

Good move by the Japanese immigration officials. Liars with ties to a terrorist group are not needed.

Hopefully he's banned from entry for a hundred years.

Except that dolphins are sentient animals and not farmed ruminants or domesticated fowl bred for the table

I don't know where you got your definition on what defines 'sentience' from, but ruminants and fowl are also sentient animals. There are many ruminants and fowl which are wild yet still hunted for food (sometimes primarily for sport, even). By your argument, if animals like dolphins or whales were to become farmed they would lose sentience (they wouldn't) and it'd become okay to slaughter and eat them whereas it previously wouldn't have been in your eyes.

Fact is this guy has conducted himself illegally in the country before. Among the things he's done has been record and disseminate footage of people without their consent and/or knowledge. He's lied to police during questioning. He's tresspassed. He's damaged/destroyed private property.

The very opening of The Cove is "I want to say I tried to do this legally"

Anyone may agree or disagree with what his goals are and anyone may agree or disagree with how he goes about attaining those goals, but ultimately if you're in a country not your own you've zero right to fight against their laws regardless of what your goals are.

You may disagree with their laws, but you are not entitled to contravening them without suffering the consequences for doing so.

Good job Japan, as if you needed more media coverage for your senseless slaughtering of dolphins and whales. Keep drawing attention to what you're doing. the whole world is watching

Ric did nothing wrong and Japan is running scared in their feeble attempts to hide what takes place in Taiji .the drive hunt is cruel .some of you need to go to Taijj and see a drive hunt and see the cove run red from the blood of the dolphins

They say the reason for denying him entry and deporting him,is because he lied about going to "dolphin day" event in August. WHY didn't they take him into custody and deport him back in August then?? Do they even have any proof, that he was at that event?? Even if he did go, obviously he wasn't protesting, harassing anyone, or doing anything wrong or they would have arrested him on the spot, right? Japan is feeling the pressure as more and more light is shed on this horrific and brutal slaughter, that is NOT, for culture or tradition!! Culture and tradition means something that's ritual, routine, something that's been handed down from generation to generation!! The dolphin drives and slaughters have been around since the late 50s-60s, that's NOT that long ago!! And capturing and selling Dolphins for captivity is NOT a friggin tradition, it's exploitation!! People have said that Ric lies about what goes on in the cove. Live streaming does NOT lie, watch it for yourself, watch the horror that goes on there, in real time with your own eyes!! Before the movie "The Cove" came out, the fisherman savagely and brutally slaughtered these Dolphins out in the open I front of everyone to see. Now they they try to hide their cruelty and dirty work under tarps!! WHY?? It's obviously not because they feel guilty about it!!! It's to try hide it from the world, who majority, condemn it!! It's all done for money and ego!!

The international community know why Richard O Barry has been detained, the government can make as many excuses as they like . It seems so far they are not taking the out cry from other countries , worldwide activists and individuals seriously . We know what goes on in Japan and why ...... The world is watching and will continue to pressure Japan to halt the dolphin killing in Taiji . Detaining and deporting just helps !!!

Wrong. It is supported by almost NO ONE

Yes, but ask your average Japanese on the street and they will support the right to hunt them, even though they don't eat the meat. Because it's "culture", and the west is angry about it

(xiii)　A person who attempts to prepare, distribute, or exhibit printed matters, motion pictures, or any other documents or drawings to attain the objectives of any political party or organization prescribed in item (xi) or the preceding item.

Source: http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/detail_main?id=173&vm=2&re=

That's the law. You are aware of what Ric O'Barry does for a living, right?

@Hokkaidoguy, I imagine you're taking item (xiii) as the thing O'Barry violated, given that he is involved in producing printed matter and motion pictures to further his organization's interest. But the "objectives of any... organization" referred to do not include such trivialities as preserving an endangered species; rather, if you go to your link and look at items (x) and (xi), you can see that said objectives refer to overthrowing the government, something that might be an admirable goal these days, but was not what Mr. O'Barry came to Japan to do.

There is, of course, the catch-all "in the judgment of the Minister of Justice" at the end of the section. If that's what is denying Mr. O'Barry, then the Minister should just say so.

Japan dolphins are such highly intelligent socially complex animals. They are practically a person of the see. The way Taiji fisherman are drive hunting them in Taiji is cruel beyond measure. They go out in their boats looking for pods. When they fi d them they bang big poles making a horrendous noise so as to interfere with their sinar receptors and confuse the dolphins. Simetimes this goes on for hours. The torment and fear experienced by the dolphins must be hell. They are then driven into the Taiji cove where families are ripped apart and many are brutally killed. They are killed by having a pole rammed down their blow hole and severing their spine. It is a slow agonising death. They drown on their own blood. Babies and pod members witness mothers and other pod members being slaughtered. You can hear the dolphins screaming. Then there is captive selection which is what this is really all sbout. Dolphuns captured enslaved and made to do stupid tricks for food. Then many are put in dark crates on the backs of trucks and hulls of planes probably sedated heavily and glown to seaquariums around the world where the will spend the rest of their lives in tiny tiny tsnks as slaves doing awful tricks for so called human entertainment. Japan you are so much better than this. Youre more intelligent and more compassionate than this. The captive dolphin entertainment industty is cruel beyond measure. These winderful intelligent people of the sea deserve to be free. The Taiji dolphin drive hunts are completely barbaric decimating entire pods gene pools and our ecosystem. This kind of infustry has no place in a modern progressive evolved world. Japan please show compassion and urge uour government to bring an end to cruel dolphin slaughter in your country. Taiji could transition to ecotourism where people get to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. It would be a lucrative business that puts these animals the environment and cimpassion before greed and killing. Japan please speak out against the Taiji dolphin drives.

Poster above, re you hope cove guy won't be allowed to visit Japan for 100 years: he will never be allowed in, as in "never"...so 100 years for sure. Japan 8, O'Barry 0

cleo, your first link is suspicious, written by an unknown person not an established organization. The 2nd link only shows that Taichi town is still better than some other towns in longevity. The 3rd link is JapanTimes article which is not neutral.

The immigration officials questioning O’Barry are arguing they can’t believe him because he has lied to them before, such as saying he wouldn’t go to a Tokyo event called Japan Dolphins Day in August last year but ending up going, according to Takano.

That's just one example.

Now O'Barry has to leave Japan. He can either walk on to the next plane under his own power or he can be carried on. Either way, it's "buh bye" O'Barry. Maybe he can find an honest job somewhere where he can continue to bore people with his recollections of training Flipper 50 year ago? Yawn.

Excellent news! Now the people of Taiji can get back to their grubby 'tradition' of catching & butchering animals that don't belong to them. We should silence all voices that don't agree with us!

The 3rd link is JapanTimes article which is not neutral.

That's funny - Japan Times is one of the only independent news sources in Japan - all others are under the thumb of the government through the J-press club. Most Japanese don't realize how similar their news reporting is to China's. Without Japan Times all you would ever get from the J-media is government propaganda.

Japan have picked a fight that they cannot possibly win. There has been widespread international news coverage of this and none of it makes Japan look good. or maybe they do not care less of what anyone think of them?

your first link is suspicious, written by an unknown person not an established organisation

It's a private university in Kyoto, which I think counts as an 'established organisation'. But perhaps you'd consider the government of Japan to be more firmly 'established'? In that case, try this guide put out by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, advising expectant mothers not to eat bottlenose dolphin meat because, they say, one serving contains 8 times the weekly recommended maximum amount of mercury - 16 times more than one serving of bluefin tuna and 8 times more even than one serving of sperm whale.

http://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/bukyoku/iyaku/syoku-anzen/suigin/dl/051102-2a.pdf

The 2nd link only shows that Taichi town is still better than some other towns in longevity.

It's listed 27th in a list of 30 towns in Wakayama, and Wakayama Prefecture ranks 35th out of 47 prefectures. Overall Taiji ranks 1678th (for males) and 1791st (for females) out of 1945 municipalities nationwide, well within the worst 10%. Maybe your definition of 'better' is different from mine. Do you need to have babies dying in their cots before there's a problem?

I'm japanese and think it natural for Japanese government to order the deportation of Ric O'Barry.

He and Dolphin liberationist disturbed the public peace of Taiji town. Their act meets requirements, the Article 5 of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

The text of the law is as follows.

Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act 　【Japanese Law/Cabinet Order No. 319 of October 4, 1951】

Section 2 Landing of a Foreign National (Denial of Landing) Article 5　(1)　Any foreign national who falls under any of the following items shall be denied permission to land in Japan.

(xi)　A person who attempts or advocates the overthrow of the Constitution of Japan or the Government formed thereunder by means of force or violence, or who organizes or is a member of a political party or any organization which attempts or advocates the same.

(xii)　A person who organizes, or is a member of, or is closely affiliated with any of the following political parties or organizations: (a)　A political party or organization which encourages acts of violence or the assault, killing, or injury of officials of the Government or of local public entities for the reason that they are such officials; (b)　A political party or organization which encourages illegal damage to or destruction of public facilities; (c)　A political party or organization which encourages acts of dispute such as stopping or preventing the normal maintenance or operation of the security facilities of a factory or other workplace;

(xiii)　A person who attempts to prepare, distribute, or exhibit printed matters, motion pictures, or any other documents or drawings to attain the objectives of any political party :political party or organization prescribed in item (xi) or the preceding item.

(xiv)　In addition to those persons listed in items (i) to (xiii), a person whom the Minister of Justice has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to commit an act which could be detrimental to the interests or public security of Japan.

http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/detail/?id=1934&vm=04&re=01

Japanese people know that they disturbed the public peace of Japan. Most of japanese people deny a person who does harm to others like him.

His passion is with dolphins because he used to train them - not hard to understand it it?

understand what? The majority of Japanese and the govt Abe included support Taiji town people, why do you think the Japanese have to understand his passion? Taiji town people have passion too.

I really don't undetstand why are you ignoring the majority of Japanese and its govt all the time? You are studying under Japanese people's tax money. Aren't you insulting Japan too much?

What makes you think it's the majority of Japanese?

@michaelqtodd, the sad thing is that Japan does not care what other nations think of Japan. That's Japan in a nutshell. Wonderful people, government mindset that just care about intl opinion. Will never change. Poor Japan. Such potential, so little EQ.

Dolphin eating is old tradition nothing new

It isn't an old tradition, being just half a century old, and you know it; the following quote is from a post of yours, in November 2015, on the subject of dolphin hunting:

"It is business, not rituals."

One of the only things you've ever said that I agree with; it is indeed just business, and not tradition or ritual.

The five westerners countries are not international

Five western countries? How do you figure that? There are 28 countries in the EU alone. And by definition, five countries is international anyway; in fact two countries is international.

The J-media is controled by Koreans.

Amazing. Even when discussing Japanese dolphin hunting you mange to display your pathological dislike of Koreans. The Japanese media is not controlled by Koreans; it's controlled by the Japanese government!

According to the table at the bottom of your link, dolphin's mercury is in the same group as tuna.

Where are you looking? Bottlenose dolphin (バンドウイルカ) is in a group all by itself, with 8 dots. Northern bluefin tuna has one dot, and southern bluefin tuna only half a dot. The short-finned pilot whale (コビレゴンドウ, actually a dolphin) has 2 dots.

you are telling the entire Japan not to eat dolphin. So you logic failed again.

I'm not telling anyone what to eat or not eat. I'm telling you that the Japanese government says that dolphin meat contains a lot more mercury than other types of seafood, which is in direct contradiction to your claim that There is no evidence that dolphin is particularly more tainted than other food. It's your 'logic' or rather your knowledge of the facts, that fails, again.

if someone really cared about animal welfare then it would make sense to campaign against the wholesale slaughter of farm-produced animals

Some of us do campaign against what happens to animals bred and raised for the table, but O'Barry (afaik) has made no claim to be concerned about farm animals or animal welfare in general. His concern is specifically with dolphins, because of the special affinity he has with them from his experience as a dolphin trainer. If a person whose child died of (e.g.) infantile cancer set up a charity to help other sufferers of the same disease, would you criticise them for not trying to finance all medical research into all illnesses affecting all children? Or would you simply understand that they had their own personal axe to grind?

Thank you Japan for drawing the attention of the world to the slaughter 'Even bad publicity is good publicity' ☺ You will be your own killer you know eventually you will have to publicly apologise for the slaughter in the cove the world is changing you have always been the last to know!

Why go to a country he obviously doesn't like and tell this story. He obviously filmed the village telling them lies about why he was filming them. If he hates Japanese this much maybe he should not visit the country.

If he hates Japanese this much maybe he should not visit the country

He has said that he loves Japan and Taiji. His stance on a single conservation issue does not equate to hatred of an entire nation.

cleo, I had missed the bottlenose dolphin, yes 8 dots. I only saw イシイルカ（ Dall's porpose dolphin?) which is smaller size dolphin, only half a dot.

At the further down, it says the reason some sea creatures have more mercury than the others are their size. Any larger creature have more mercury than the smaller creatures. So if you are worried about mercury eat small portion of large creatures or large portion of small creatures.

It is good thing that Japanese govt is releasing the chart easy to understand with dots.

It is good thing that Japanese govt is releasing the chart easy to understand with dots.

A pity, then, that you didn't understand 8 dots is more dots than half a dot....I hope you aren't pregnant :-)

So if you are worried about mercury eat small portion of large creatures or large portion of small creatures.

A pity it doesn't say if you are worried about sentient creatures being tortured and slaughtered mercilessly in a sea of blood, don't provide a market for their meat. And if you are worried about sentient creatures being orphaned, tortured, transported around the world, kept in tiny tanks and made to perform in return for a diet of dead fish for the rest of their drastically shortened lives, don't give money to dolphin shows/captive dolphin swim programmes.

made to perform in return for a diet of dead fish for the rest of their drastically shortened lives

shortened lives? How do you know? It's not like wild dolphins die of old age. The Japanese people are also in a diet of dead fish.

tinawatanabeJAN. 24, 2016 - 10:47AM JST made to perform in return for a diet of dead fish for the rest of their drastically shortened lives

shortened lives? How do you know? It's not like wild dolphins die of old age.

Sea mammals in captivity tend to live shorter lives than free-roaming animals. That's why most civilized nations have banned their dolphin and whale captivity. You can judge the heart of a nation on the treatment of their animals.

Most seafood (if not all) are mercury tainted. There is no evidence that dolphin is particularly more tainted than other food.

This comment is misleading, I don't know what to say. What's next- the Moon is made of green cheese... ?

You can't say that civility is determined by your treatment of other countries, but then make an exception allowing you not to be civil to the country that you hate (despite never having been there)

Anyway, to get back on topic:

"It is business, not rituals." Those are your words two months ago. "Dolphin eating is old tradition nothing new". Those are your words two days ago. So which is it?

You can't say that civility is determined by your treatment of other countries

One way to see. I think the civility has something to do with China/SK's attitude toward Japan.

"It is business, not rituals."

I don't rememer saying it. Taichi town's hunting is their business and tradition and culture.

Well you did say it. And you were correct; this isn't about tradition, it's about money. And as I've said to you before, the town of Taiji - as a whole - would actually make more money from a dolphin watching industry than it does from dolphin hunting. The dolphin hunting is only conducted by a small group who make money from it; their 'tradition' arguments are merely to justify it in the eyes of Japanese such as yourself who wouldn't normally care about this issue, by convincing them that this is a matter of Japan vs. foreigners (and you have stated many times on these pages that you only care about this issue because of the involvement of foreigners)

The dolphin hunting is only conducted by a small group

They are determined to maintain their tradition.

would actually make more money from a dolphin watching industry than it does from dolphin hunting.

I don't know if making more money is what they want.

their 'tradition' arguments are merely to justify it in the eyes of Japanese such as yourself

I really think they feel obligated to maintain the tradition because it is the only place left in Japan. It used to be all over in Japan.

by convincing them that this is a matter of Japan vs. foreigners

Japan feels the sense of crisis because of anti-hunt foreigners. Japan is very angry at and saddened by people like you. I even feel trauma talking to you as a matter of fact.

(and you have stated many times on these pages that you only care about this issue because of the involvement of foreigners)

I don't remember saying it again. I may have said I feel sense of crisis since the involvement of foreigners.

They are determined to maintain their tradition

Because they make money from it.

I don't know if making more money is what they want

As you yourself said, "it is business not rituals." The whole thing is about making money. You have in the past argued that stopping the drive hunts would deprive Taiji's people of their livelihoods; I am suggesting a viable alternative - Eco-tourism i.e. dolphin watching - which would revitalise Taiji's fortunes. More visitors = more business for hotels, cafes, etc = a better livelihood for the whole town (and none of this Sea Shepherd stuff)

it is the only place left in Japan. It used to be all over in Japan

Did it? When and where?

I even feel trauma talking to you as a matter of fact

It is not my intention to traumatise you and I'm surprised by your statement as I haven't said anything personal to you at all. My intention is to try and get you to consider the proposal that Taiji would be better off conducting dolphin watching tours instead of conducting dolphin drive hunts. I have previously shared a link with you to a very balanced article comparing Kaikora, New Zealand, to Taiji, exploring the way that Kaikora switched from whaling to whale watching and how such a switch would benefit Taiji if it started doing dolphin and whale watching. I'm not sure if you even read the article, as you just dismissed it as the writings of a foreigner - but the skin colour of the person making the proposal is completely irrelevant to whether it is a sound proposal.

Yoshitsune - He has said that he loves Japan and Taiji. His stance on a single conservation issue does not equate to hatred of an entire nation.

O'Barry is a liar and has no inalienable right to enter any other country. If a country believes O'Barry to be a liar, disruptive, and/or deceptive, that country can refuse to allow O'Barry to enter. Go home O'Barry.

None of which has any bearing on whether or not it is correct to say the man loves or hates Japan; he has stated that he loves Japan, hence my reply to David Blue

Yoshitsune - None of which has any bearing on whether or not it is correct to say the man loves or hates Japan; he has stated that he loves Japan, hence my reply to David Blue

Of course it has a bearing. Japan immigration says, and I believe, O'Barry is a liar and can't be trusted. You may chose to believe everything O'Barry says but the decision makers have decided that O'Barry can no longer enter Japan.

No it doesn't. Saying O'Barry lied about his activities is very obviously, both logically and linguistically, not the same thing as saying he hates Japan. Likewise his deportation does not prove that he hates Japan. It is not true that a person's stance on dolphin hunts indicates that they hate the entire Japanese nation.

O’Barry has been questioned by Japanese immigration before, but this is the first time he has been detained and barred from entry.

Interesting. How can this piece reconcile with the news in last September?

That would be because last September he wasn't barred from entry. He was already in Japan when he was arrested.

Of course it has a bearing. Japan immigration says, and I believe, O'Barry is a liar and can't be trusted. You may chose to believe everything O'Barry says but the decision makers have decided that O'Barry can no longer enter Japan.

What you personally believe is irrelevant. What interests me is that if Mr. O'Barry truly was declared PNG, why didn't they tell HIM that when it was decided? Why let him come all the way over to Japan and cause an international press circus? This whole thing smacks of a spur-of-the-moment failure on the part of Japan's government and now they have to follow through in order to not look even more foolish than they already do.

arrestpaulJAN. 25, 2016 - 02:38AM JST Yoshitsune - He has said that he loves Japan and Taiji. His stance on a single conservation issue does not equate to hatred of an entire nation. O'Barry is a liar and has no inalienable right to enter any other country.

If entrance to a country was based on whether someone was a liar or not, there wouldn't be anyone coming in.

The J government didn't inform Ric he was a PNG before his trans Pacific flight because he did not ask. japan cannot alert every PNG they are PNG.its up to ric to ask.

I doubt they'd tell you if you were PNG. That's not their style.

Of course Japan has the right to keep anyone out of their country should they choose to do so, but they cannot escape the consequences of their decisions on matters such as this one. And there will be consequences, that is guaranteed. For one thing, less profits for them as thousands of more people will try to avoid purchasing Japanese goods and services. That is "baked in the cake" now because of what they want to do. You can say I do not count and am only one person, but I will be cutting down on purchasing Japanese products and services also. When you are in business and or want your country to prosper financially, every person counts!

I will be cutting down on purchasing Japanese products and services also. When you are in business and or want your >>country to prosper financially, every person counts!

I totally agree and clearly the PM of Japan does not care at all about those issues, we know he is living in his own island cut from the reality. I am quite sure all Japanese INC dealing directly with consumers abroad are seeing some kind of market shrinking and wondering why despite the yen being low. I am not saying all market shrinking is due to those, but with all the recent scandals abroad involving Jinc and negative image of Japan being stubborn on so many topics it must have some impact.

What he has received is not bad reception. It is " BAD KARMA" that he invited own conclusion! When he had produced a film , he had sealed his fate to be never allowed to access to inside Japan ! Once he received personal record of " denied entry from any countries , and also resisted against authority's decision,, probably he have to face with proplems for entering any other countries as well. That's what he did to himself . Is this happened because he received " OSCAR award" ? Or he must have punished by gods of Dolphins that unhounered part of sea creatures on Mother Earth !

Danny BloomJAN. 24, 2016 - 12:26AM JST

the sad thing is that Japan does not care what other nations think of Japan. That's Japan in a nutshell.

Well, Japan cares a lot more about what other nations think of Japan than other nations care about what Japan thinks of them. When was the last time "America" cared about what "Japan" thinks of "America"? America does what it thinks right regardless of what others think of America, doesn't it?

Yogi ZunaJAN. 25, 2016 - 09:58AM JST

I will be cutting down on purchasing Japanese products and services also.

Same to you.

Ric is not affiliated with SSCS. Sure, he knows Paul and is friends with a lot of activists on the ground, no matter what group they're with. But even if he was affiliated, does that really matter? He has done absolutely NOTHING wrong or illegal. He's there as a tourist and a witness. He spends money there. He's very friendly to the locals. He is not a criminal. He is not a terrorist. Seriously, by doing this to him, Japan, you are helping us (the activists) because this is getting back in the news, AGAIN. People are hearing about the dolphin slaughters in Taiji, AGAIN. Are you seriously that threatened by a 76-year old activist? You can try and stop him and you might win. But we are a movement of likeminded individuals who know right from wrong. And the dolphin drives are morally wrong! Why do you want to keep poisoning your people, your children with mercury-laden meat? Why do you enjoy brutalizing dolphins, terrifying entire family pods, driving them for your own greed? They're sentient beings like US. You need to end this brutal non-tradition (as it's only been going on since the 50's.) The world has been watching and is watching EVEN CLOSER NOW since you're detaining Ric for no good reason at all. Please grant him entry into Japan.

Dawn Younce - The world has been watching and is watching EVEN CLOSER NOW since you're detaining Ric for no good reason at all. Please grant him entry into Japan.

Dream on. The "world" is not watching. Most of the "world" doesn't care about dolphins, Taiji, or O'Barry. You simply refuse to accept Japan's reasons because you don't wish to. Japan isn't doing anything illegal, in spite of what you may think.

Ric is not affiliated with SSCS Yes he is. Go watch 'The Cove', produced by Obarry himself.

But even if he was affiliated, does that really matter? Yes, it does. Sea Shepherd are deemed by some countries and many people who are not personally affected by the organization to be an 'eco terrorists' due to the manner in which they set about achieving their goals. Being affiliated with such a group is directly detrimental to one's ability to enter many countries if it could be construed your goal is to cause problems within those countries, which Obarry has done before.

He has done absolutely NOTHING wrong or illegal. Yes, he has. Go watch 'The Cove'.

He's very friendly to the locals Causing problems or distress for people is the opposite of being 'very friendly'. Go watch The Cove.

He is not a criminal Technically he is. Go watch The Cove.

Are you seriously that threatened by a 76-year old activist? Is it that much of a problem for you that he's been denied entry due to his prior transgressions? He could live out the rest of his days never setting foot in Japan again. It's not like he's a resident or has citizenship there.

But we are a movement of likeminded individuals who know right from wrong. I hope you go out of your way to have the slaughter of any other animals stopped altogether as well, because the slaughter of these dolphins is no different. What is different is that you've some personal attachment to them and hold them in higher regard than other animals. You're free to claim "they're more intelligent" than other animals, but cows have been demonstrated many times as being intelligent also, yet they're still eaten all the same. If the dolphin meat is ultimately being consumed, they're not being slaughtered for giggles, and thus aren't all that different from any other animal humans kill to eat.

Why do you want to keep poisoning your people, your children with mercury-laden meat? Is the Japanese government forcing people to eat dolphin meat? If not, then what are you on about?

They're sentient beings like US. So are chickens, sheep, cattle, fish, etc. Go look up the definition of 'sentience'.

You need to end this brutal non-tradition (as it's only been going on since the 50's.) Do you start your mornings with a mug of coffee? That's a tradition, even if you've only been doing it for however long you've been living and even if the manner in which you carry it out is specific to you. Traditions are defined by nothing more than whether they're habitual, repeated activities or are arbitrary. If the slaughter of the dolphins is conducted on an annual basis rather than arbitrarily, it amounts to a tradition. I don't doubt that by now there's been at least one generation taught to partake in the same act, which would bring into the fold the more narrow definition of a 'tradition'.

The world has been watching and is watching EVEN CLOSER NOW since you're detaining Ric for no good reason at all. A lot of the world is completely oblivious to this incident. This story appeared nowhere in South African news that I'm aware of, as example. I don't doubt there's a general lack of interest in the topic in general from many except those who are vested in it. 'The world' is more preoccupied with other things than whether someone who has broken several laws in a country is denied reentry there.

Hi Theo,

I hope you go out of your way to have the slaughter of any other animals stopped altogether as well, because the slaughter of these dolphins is no different.

Don't you consider the method of slaughter to be significant? Because it is in fact different; the methods used in Taiji are very different from those used with cows, sheep, etc. According to a study in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, "This killing method does not conform to the recognized requirement for “immediate insensibility” and would not be tolerated or permitted in any regulated slaughterhouse process in the developed world"..."There thus appears to be no logical reason to accept a killing method that is clearly not carried out in accordance with fundamental and globally adopted principles on the commercial utilization, care, and treatment of animal"

Full text here: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10888705.2013.768925

In other words, it would be unacceptable to kill a cow that way in Japan; why is it acceptable to kill a dolphin that way?

Japan isn't doing anything illegal, in spite of what you may think.

Illegal, no. Stupid, yes.

What does he expect? Lying to customs officials is never a good idea.

Dawn YounceJAN. 25, 2016 - 05:49PM JST

You need to end this brutal non-tradition (as it's only been going on since the 50's.)

An old scroll of dolphin hunting in Wakayama in 1739(元文3年).

http://digital.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/werkansicht/?PPN=PPN3324717086&LOGID=LOG_0001

http://digital.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/werkansicht/?PPN=PPN3324717086&DMDID=DMDLOG_0003

http://digital.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/werkansicht/?PPN=PPN3324717086&DMDID=DMDLOG_0011

Be wary of people who misguided you.

"This killing method does not conform to the recognized requirement for “immediate insensibility”

I heard that Taiji fishermen changed the method to conform “immediate insensibility” long time ago. What's the point of whining about the old method no more used so long?

Tina. In future please read the link before commenting on it, or you may end up sounding foolish. The study I have linked to investigates the current method, not the old one.

Yoshi, Wakayama says they changed in Dec. 2008 to the same way Denmark does. It also dismantle in indoor facility so that foreigners don't get upset.

www.pref.wakayama.lg.jp > ... > 組織から探す > 資源管理課 - キャッシュ

Yes, they changed it in 2008; the study is from 2013 and is a study of the method adopted in 2008. I repeat, read the link before commenting on it

Wakayama says they changed in Dec. 2008 to the same way Denmark does

Copying the barbarism of the Faroe Islands is hardly anything to crow about.

It also dismantle in indoor facility so that foreigners don't get upset.

How about considering whether the dolphins are upset?

Like it or not, Japan is right in this case. The guy definitely isn't here just to look at dolphins as he says (not that there is a 'stir up trouble' visa category but a tourist visa certainly doesn't cover it).

O'Barry can leave at any time. He's only being prevented from entering Japan, not from leaving it.

Theo, seriously? Lol. I'm too tired to argue right now. But he was never charged with a crime, therefore, he isn't a criminal.

Great PR for Japan. The one thing Japan has going for it in the west is that considered (Somehow) a likeable country....This mixed with its efforts at revisionism is doing nothing for its image. Perhaps the most discouraging fact about all of these issues is the mind numbing indifference to these social and political issues. Japanese people simply do not care about issues that do not affect them personally...Which, of course, is fine...but don"t expect the world to consider you an equal player in the world stage....

Not much to add, just the following thoughts.

Tradition alone isn't a good reason to do something, and should never be an excuse for cruel behaviour to humans or animals.

Freedom of speech, the press and the right to protest should be upheld when ever possible.

And Tina is either the best troll ever or the exact reason Japan is in so much trouble, a rose tinted idea of what the country is or was defending it with nearly religious like dogmatic furore, displaying a serious lack of critical thinking and ability to analyse any information that doesn't already backup the position held.

A disagreement about one tiny facet of something that occurs in Japan doesn't equal disliking Japan, nor some kind of western imperialism.

Moderator: Please repost without the reference to Tina.

The immigration officials questioning O’Barry are arguing they can’t believe him because he has lied to them before, such >>as saying he wouldn’t go to a Tokyo event called Japan Dolphins Day in August last year but ending up going, according to >>Takano

And THAT is enough to get arrested and deported now....going to an event called Japan Dolphin Day without telling them ? And he was not free to move to Tokyo ? What country is becoming Japan really ? The land of arbitrary arrest ?

Vienna1sausage - .....Japanese people simply do not care about issues that do not affect them personally...Which, of course, is fine...but don"t expect the world to consider you an equal player in the world stage....

The world stage? Why do animal rights posters keep claiming that they speak for the world? That's just silly? Have they met the whole world?

Has any country threatened to stop doing business with Japan because some ol' animal trainer demands entry to a country that does not want him? I don't think so. Japan is still considered an equal player on the world stage.

Rick is courageous to resist, I think I understand his motivation now, it will be too easy to simply accept the arbitrary arrest and go back like a coward, He is an activist, he wants Japan to do the dirty job to the end and deport him "manu militari" with possibly some west journalist snapping the moment of action which I believe is the best he can get. What a great PR for Japan, "Welcome to Japan, the land of deported for joining an event in Tokyo". Like it or not, this is how the west is seeing it, this our culture difference.

What Japan Inc. does not realize is that by turning off many thousands of people from other nations because of their controversial policies on important issues like dolphin hunting and whaling, thousands more will cut back on buying Japanese products and or even visiting Japan.

You're probably right, but those thousands are too insignificant in numbers for Japan to really take notice. More people care about buying the product they want than they care about making a voiceless protest against whaling/dolphining, and as such, the number of people who actually will boycott Japanese products will be small. Even if it's thousands, that's a small percentage of millions. So I don't see it having any impact at all upon those Japanese who would be able to do anything about dolphining and whaling.

Also, not buying Japanese products because of this is misplaced anger - the companies selling the products are not the ones doing the dolphining/whaling, nor are they the government entities that are fostering the environment that allows for this. And on top of the wrong people being 'punished', the message isn't likely to go from these companies to the government anyways.

Theo, seriously? Lol. I'm too tired to argue right now. But he was never charged with a crime, therefore, he isn't a criminal

Keep in mind your criminal record in countries which are not Japan still influence your ability to enter the country. He has committed numerous crimes for which he has been arrested and charged. As mentioned already, go watch The Cove and you can see him committing what amounted to crimes for yourself.