Tokyo activists rally against dolphin, whale hunts

hassanhvistendahl

International waters is not Australia. These nationalist remarks you make, only embarrass yourself.

Mmm my nationalist remarks. Which ones would they be. I can see lots of facts that are widely acknowledged that refute your arguments.

Acceptance of cultural diversity and international law is what people like you should try to do but you fall back into a simple culture imperialistic mindset.

Indeed acceptance of cultural diversity is important yet you shove your whaling down our throats. I am not against your whaling in your waters or even in your region. I am dead against your activities in our region though and have every right to be. You see l dont know whether you realise it or not but Japan doesnt own the world and Japan isnt the most important nation in the world. You see other nations and people have the right to protest your actions especially when your actions take place in their region and not your own. You see l lived in Japan for a couple of years and while there l did not protest your North Pacific whale hunt, or your dolphin slaughter once. Even though l find both activities disgusting they occurred in your waters and your region. But when you sail to my nations waters as you did last year and you are in our region l will protest your forcing of your imperialistic archaic beliefs down our throats. You preach adhering to the law yet you flaunt the very body your a signatory to, you say dont force our beliefs on you yet every southern summer it is exactly what you do to use and when we protest you come out dripping xenophobic vitriol at every opportunity.

Simply because you want others to have the same view as you regarding whales being super animals.

I dont believe they are super animals. I think that they need a sanctuary where they can breed and feed in peace without fear of a harpoon in the head. We are talking a tiny % of the worlds ocean put aside for their sanctuary.

I'm not forcing you to eat whale meat so you should not force Japan or others to stop eating whale meat. Especially when the whales are not endangered.

Funny because lm not stopping you eating whale all Australia wants is you to stick to your own region to do it. Cant you understand that.... I will put it simple. You are not welcome here. Go away

International waters is not Australia. These nationalist remarks you make, only embarrass yourself. Acceptance of cultural diversity and international law is what people like you should try to do but you fall back into a simple culture imperialistic mindset. Simply because you want others to have the same view as you regarding whales being super animals. I'm not forcing you to eat whale meat so you should not force Japan or others to stop eating whale meat. Especially when the whales are not endangered.

hassanhvistendahl

The Japanese are mostly hunting in international waters.

Ah so mostly in international waters... So what non international waters do they hunt in then?

The Australians have a territorial claim on the Antarctic continent, which if it became actual Australian territory would give them an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) covering a sizeable chunk of the Southern Ocean.

Indeed it would. And how long has the Australian claim been in effect? That would be since 1841 a mere 120 years before the Antarctic treaty came into effect and a mere 150 odd years before the very first Japanese whaling ship headed to those waters. Now who is being imperialistic? We as a nation had a claim a good 150 years before you even ventured there and yet you claim we are denying you your traditional rights. Ha thats funny.

But, the Antarctic Treaty System renders all claims to territory on the Antarctic continent invalid. Countries by and large respect each other’s land claims, but since they aren’t actual territory, there are no official territorial waters, contiguous zones or EEZs around the Antarctic continent.

Yes a treaty that came into effect a mere 120 years after the claim was first made. Yep ok. PS while Australia is a signatory to the treat the treaty clearly states that by signing it does NOT remove the signatories claims to the territory or diminish their claim.....

No country takes Australia's ridiculous nationalist claim seriously.

Actually several do, other nations that also have existing claims in Antarctica. Of which Japan isnt one.. Why? Because until recently they never went to Antarctica.

They are seriously embarrassing themselves, if they want to claim Antarctica they better go after the French, Norwegians and others who are there fishing fish and krill.

Oops you made a small mistake there. Both France and Norway support Australia's claim. Why? Because both Norway and France also have claims to Antarctic territories as well. Guess you didnt realise that now did you....

It's only when Japan hunts whales in internationally agreed international waters the Aussies get all emotional as they seem not to be able to stop their outdated Anglo Saxon cultural imperialistic mindset.

Again you seem to look only at Australia as the only ones getting upset. Do yourself a favour look at a map. Every single nation that borders the Southern Ocean has and does protest Japanese whaling there not just Australia. Chile threatened Japan a couple of years back over it. They even proposed sending warships to monitor the Japanese. Chile protests the whaling as do Uruguay, Argentina, South Africa, Brazil etc. So you say us Aussies are being Anglo Saxon imperialists yet you forget the numerous non anglo countries that protest your arrogant actions.

Not everyone look at whales as super animals. Get over it.

And not everyone believes your garbage about research whaling and cultural history. Face it you Japanese are world pariahs when it comes to whaling and your hated for it. All l can say is l have donated to SS this year have you done the same to ICR?

The main species of whale the Japanese hunt in the Antarctic is the Antarctic Minke. It’s currently classified as “data deficient”, not “endangered”, and is classified as “least concern” considering the best and most recent estimates of its population are around 500,000 according to CITES. The current hunting quota of 950 is perfectly sustainable from a population this strong.

If you have a problem with scientific research vent your anger on IWC.

No, IWC has clearly banned commercial whaling. The IWC has condemned whaling for the purpose of "scientific research". It's Japan that is exploiting a loop hole in order to hunt whales that nobody even wants.

Honest people respect agreements.

Japan is a member of IWC, which means that it must respect its ban on commercial whaling. So why is Japan still hunting whales? Why isn't Japan respecting international agreements?

If you have a problem with scientific research vent your anger on IWC. Japan is following IWC guidelines unlike Australia who isn't doing their job at IWC as they agreed to in the first place. Honest people respect agreements. By working against their own agreement Australia is no more than acting like a lying culture imperialist.

Is it a part of the Japanese culture to exploit loop holes, ignore international rules and hunt whales that way?

Commercial whaling has already been banned for more than 20 years by the IWC, which Japan is a member of. So why is Japan still continuing on whaling? Oh right... "scientific research".

The Japanese are mostly hunting in international waters. The Australians have a territorial claim on the Antarctic continent, which if it became actual Australian territory would give them an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) covering a sizeable chunk of the Southern Ocean. But, the Antarctic Treaty System renders all claims to territory on the Antarctic continent invalid. Countries by and large respect each other’s land claims, but since they aren’t actual territory, there are no official territorial waters, contiguous zones or EEZs around the Antarctic continent.

No country takes Australia's ridiculous nationalist claim seriously. They are seriously embarrassing themselves, if they want to claim Antarctica they better go after the French, Norwegians and others who are there fishing fish and krill. It's only when Japan hunts whales in internationally agreed international waters the Aussies get all emotional as they seem not to be able to stop their outdated Anglo Saxon cultural imperialistic mindset. Not everyone look at whales as super animals. Get over it.

If the people think that, after thinking a lot about the issue, banning whaling and killing dolphins is a good, sound, moral decision, whether the idea came from the West or the East or Africa or the Middle East, then they should. Does it matter where the idea came from? No. It's the people themselves that should decide on their own. Calling it "cultural imperialism" is just a convenient camouflage used to not have to change anything, to maintain the status quo.

UK, AUstralia, NZ are countries referred to as the Anglo Saxon countries in Europe. Just as Sweden, Norway, Denmark are referred to as the Scandinavian countries in Europe. This term is not offensive and it is a term still used all over Europe. The Anglo Saxon countries by imposing their values onto Japan are practicing culture imperialism.

I didn't say that it was offensive, I said that it was foolish to blindly oppose something just because it came from the "outside". What is cultural imperialism? Is it not the people themselves that decide what they should accept and not accept into their own culture? You are saying that these people should rather not make any independent decisions, that they should blindly oppose anything that comes from the "outside", and call it "cultural imperialism".

hassanhvistendahl

It´s international waters. Though Aussie nationalists like to claim it as their waters. Aussie are free to fish in international waters anywhere if they wish.

Care to point out where I said it was Australian waters. I said in our region. However we have claimed those waters as part of our EEZ yes. Much like you lot claim the waters around senkaku as yours we claim the waters around our Antarctic zone as ours. Much like you complain when china enters your claimed waters we complain when you enter our claimed waters. Simple as that. Now l suggest you head back to the northern hemisphere and do your whaling there because every nation down here doesn't want you here which is why your ships are banned from entering port in any of these nations

Then what is Japan doing by imposing and forcing its behaviour not only on these nations but by conducting their activities close to the shores of these nations and in waters they see as their region. How would Japan feel if say Australia conducted fishing that Japan didnt like and sailed to the waters off Japan to conduct these activities. And to add more insult to it they ignored an international bodies ruling to do so. In that case would the Japanese get offended.

It´s international waters. Though Aussie nationalists like to claim it as their waters. Aussie are free to fish in international waters anywhere if they wish.

Hassanhvistendahl,

You say by imposing its wishes on Japan that Australia, New Zealand and others are imposing cultural imperialism on Japan.

Then what is Japan doing by imposing and forcing its behaviour not only on these nations but by conducting their activities close to the shores of these nations and in waters they see as their region. How would Japan feel if say Australia conducted fishing that Japan didnt like and sailed to the waters off Japan to conduct these activities. And to add more insult to it they ignored an international bodies ruling to do so. In that case would the Japanese get offended.

You say we Australians are imposing cultural imperialism on you Japanese. Who illegally entered our waters last year? Wo when told to leave by our government ignored that request and stayed? If we Australians are being culturally imperialistic towards you Japanese then that is your opinion. In my opinion and the opinions of many Australians you Japanese are being nothing short of hypocritical, rude and disgraceful in your actions. Hence the support for SS is so high in this country. If you want to whale do it in your own waters do not sail thousands of kilometres and do it in our region you are not welcome and it is not just us Anglo Saxons who hate your whaling but other nations like Chile, Peru, South Africa, and many South American nations that are not Anglo Saxons.....

I believe it would be wrong, and in the nature of cultural imperialism, for Ireland to attempt to impose our cultural values on those nations whose populations have depended on the whale for generations." MR. HIGGINS, IRELAND'S MINISTER FOR CULTURE

UK, AUstralia, NZ are countries referred to as the Anglo Saxon countries in Europe. Just as Sweden, Norway, Denmark are referred to as the Scandinavian countries in Europe. This term is not offensive and it is a term still used all over Europe. The Anglo Saxon countries by imposing their values onto Japan are practicing culture imperialism.

No matter what the justifications are for those who are pro-whaling, for average Japanese citizens, the whaling is a waste of millions and millions of taxpayers money.

Exactly. If there are enough whales in the ocean and they can be hunted and utilized then there is no reason for countries such as Australia, NZ and UK to ban Japan hunting whales in international waters. Their stance is nothing but cultural intolerance and emotion. Japan´s stance is scientific as it should be.

"What is the point of having a Scientific Committee if its unanimous recommendations ... are treated with such contempt?"

PHIL HAMMOND, CHAIRMAN OF THE IWC SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, LETTER OF RESIGNATION, 1993

Outta hereNov. 27, 2012 - 05:21AM JST The main argument against Japanese whaling is mainly where it occurs, namely no where near Japan.

No matter what the justifications are for those who are pro-whaling, for average Japanese citizens, the whaling is a waste of millions and millions of taxpayers money. If these whalers wants to continue their activity, let them pay on their own. In a democratic society like Japan, why don't the citizens have right to vote yes or no on continue goverment funding of whaling?

Hassanhvistendahl

Japanese say they want to eat whales traditional then the Anglo Saxons say if you want traditional they should stick to traditional hunting. No culture is static. You can actually have a history of it and then keep modernizing.

Just a couple of points here, your sarcastic use of the term Anglo Saxon to describe Australia, NZ and the UK is akin to me saying you Asians (when referring to Japanese). It is impolite..... Secondly it's not just aust, NZ, UK against Wha,ing but also non Anglo Saxon nations like Chile, Peru etc. but you chose to ignore that and focus your rant on the supposedly white nations all the while insinuating a racist angle. Also a culture and tradition is ok, modernizing it is ok. But expanding it beyond your borders is not ok.

the ANglo Saxons don´t see it this way, they think that the culture is outdated and barbaric. That is not for the Ango Saxons to decide but Japanese.

No your actually wrong. The main argument against Japanese whaling is mainly where it occurs, namely no where near Japan. It occurs closer to Aust,NZ, SA, Chile and Peru than it does Japan hence these countries have every right to protest your Asian incursion on areas these nations see as their own backyards.

vast righti-wing conspirator:

" Traditional methods usually are brutal. "

Yes. But traditional methods are also typically very labour intensive, and there also by definition very limited. So lets see all the enthusiastic muscular young man in Taiji do without their speedboats and modern equipment and let them row out there and throw the traditional harpoons.

You won´t get a complaint from me, if they keep that tradition alive.

But if it is not "traditional", then don´t use that excuse.

hassanhvistendal:

" The problem is that some people look at whales as some sacred animal. "

I have yet to see an anti-whaling activist of any kind to call whales a "sacred animal". Can you actually name one, or did you just pull this claim out of thin air?

....and if the problem is that the creatures are not killed in a humane way then how about some "research" into a humane method?

The problem is that some people look at whales as some sacred animal. Where as Japanese look at it as food. IWC Sanctuary has no scientific justification.

Whales are highly sentient beings with vast social intelligence. There is no humane way to kill whales.

In fact, the brains of some species of whale are similar in complexity and structure to those of higher primates, including humans.

http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/whaling/aninhumaneend.aspx#.ULLREeSXv19

hassanhvistendahl

The IWC is dominated behind the scenes by the protest industry and governments of the Anglo-Saxon tribe: Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

Trying to make this into a matter of culture is a fallacy. Why be blindly opposed to anything that comes from "Anglo-Saxon"? If you blindly oppose something then it only means that you are unable to make a rational, independent decision.

Vast Right-Wing Conspirator

Last time I checked, dolphins weren't an endangered species. So who cares if a few are killed?

The problem is that they're not killed in a humane way.

Well, well, well..this topic really gets people annoyed. Doesn't it all seem a little half-as#ed on both sides though?? A meager 50 folks mumbling about saving dolphins on one side of the road and an even more pathetic showing of 30 on the opposite side shouting hurtful venom such as "boo", "smelly hippy", "hiss", "get out of Japan", "Your mums fat" etc. I mean come on dolphin people..if you want to make a point why dont you descend on Taiji in droves and kick up a fuss? Maybe even have a dolphinplasty to really show your support. And the knuckle-dragging ultra-nationalists...at least lob a tomato or three..or maybe a dorsel fin to make your point. Put your backs into it lads!!

okaaaay...LoL! If you must be right and everyone is wrong on every thread, so believe it is so. Hilarious! thanks for the chuckles

hassan: You don't realize that the irony of your posts with the whole 'Anglo-Saxon' thing is Middle Ages, right? You're merely proving you and your opinion are a throw-back. Well, welcome to the modern world. What do you think?

DevilsAssistant: "Smith, please read the posts. Whale meat caught for research can be sold for food. Nobody proved anyone correct."

It's quite clear what he thinks the purpose of J-whaling is, and in the article itself the nationalists -- note they are not pro-whalers but just nationalists -- say environmentalists are attacking Japanese customs and traditions. Keep your head in the sand as long as you like, as any good nationalist does, it doesn't change the fact that the 'science' is a farce. So yes, thank you for proving me and environmentalists right yet again.

Vast Right-Wing Conspirator, Thumbs up for you!

Smith, please read the posts. Whale meat caught for research can be sold for food. Nobody proved anyone correct.

Would disagree that we 'Anglo Saxons' are being arrogant Hassan you will find us Aussies quite multicultural! Where might you hail from? Smithinjapan--spot on

hassanhvistendal: "Where as Japanese look at it as food."

Strange, I thought the whole Japanese argument for whaling was scientific research, not food. But you DO prove the environmentalists correct, so good on you.

Last time I checked, dolphins weren't an endangered species. So who cares if a few are killed? To me, that makes them a renewable source of protein. As far as the "use traditional methods" argument, it is nonsense. Traditional methods usually are brutal.

Ditto for the whales. Protecting a non endangered species is a farce, so Japan responds with a "research whaling" farce of their own. No big deal.

The problem is that some people look at whales as some sacred animal. Where as Japanese look at it as food. IWC Sanctuary has no scientific justification. Protecting a non endangered whale has no environmental value. IWC members should stick to science. Listen to the scientific committee. They say some whales can be harvested. The IWC is dominated behind the scenes by the protest industry and governments of the Anglo-Saxon tribe: Britain, Australia and New Zealand. The anti-whaling lobby is fighting tooth and nail to ensure the whaling ban is never lifted, regardless of the status of stocks.

Given that CITES has over 150 member states - more than three times those of the IWC - the Anglo-Saxons’ arrogant claim to represent world opinion is demonstrably false. The CITES vote which voted in favor of whaling sent a clear message to the IWC that most countries prefer science-based decisions to those based on emotions and cultural intolerance.

bruinfan: "Please no more of my taxes for this. please."

For whaling? absolutely agree with you! And they should DEFINITELY stop using money that was earmarked for disaster relief.

Hassanhvistendahl,

They protest Japan because unlike the other countries you mentioned Japan is the only one that travels thousands of kilometers to waters other see as their own and whale there. Also Japan is the only nation of all the nations you mentioned that ignores a IWC approved sanctuary and kills whales in that sanctuary. Now do you see why Japan rightfully gets singled out

They hunt whales and dolphins in USA, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Indonesia, Caribbean, Africa, among others. Why single out on Japan? Environmentalists should actually learn to understand the environment before calling themselves "Environmentalist".

Please no more of my taxes for this. please.

I wonder what would happen if you shouted to one of those nationalists that they are hurting Japan and that they should leave. Would their heads explode?

The funniest part of all this is that when they contradict themselves on the reason for whaling being science after whining about people intruding on ancient customs and traditions, they seem to forget they use modern methods, in far off places, to hunt and kill whales and dolphins. Point out all the contradictions to one of these nutbags, though, and watch their face go to deer in headlights mode, then them simply shout "Get out of Japan!" or some other bottom-of-the-barrel nonsense since they cannot reply logically.

"The nationalists accused the environmentalists of undermining Japanese culture and traditions, saying “environmental terrorists” should be sent to slaughter houses."

It's really got to confuse the moron nationalists when Japanese stand up against whaling, and when their demands to "get out of Japan!" are met with 'we are Japanese'. They probably blow a gasket and run back to hide in their black trucks. Anyway, the comment I quoted is classic! It's like someone saying "ALL EXTREMISTS SHOULD BE SHOT!"

Anyway, if the environmentalists are 'undermining Japanese culture and traditions', isn't that admittance that whaling is not for science, which the government lies about? I'm tired, quite frankly, of Japanese saying that whaling is for science and research and then having them fall back on the 'culture and tradition' excuse without them being able to see the absolute contradiction and hypocrisy.

@bigfujiyama

Mmm, yeah..., as Bill Lumberg would say. Watched some of those videos. As was to be expected, a lot of "Horrrraaa, omae, kaere..."

Nothing new there.

YuriOtani:

" Would say it is alright as long as they use traditional hunting methods. No modern hunting equipment or boats. "

Agreed. Those who make the "traditional" argument should also make sure it is "traditional" what they are talking about.

There are a few videos of this event on Youtube, and their demo basically turned into a rant against a French cameraman who didn't ask permission to take video. They are screeching about how Japan is the most polite society in the world at the same time as shouting back the kind of racial abuse that would get you arrested in most countries.

The nationalists are a rag tag group of internet freaks with a huge victim complex. They spend most of their time making paranoid rants about Korea.

They often complain that they get little TV coverage, but their ridiculous activities are rarely worth news space.

WSPA uses the best scientific evidence available to show that there is no humane way to kill whales at sea.

A brutal death: The hunted whale has a violent awakening from its quiet life. Even using ‘modern’ methods – which have changed little in 100 years – whale hunts often involve prolonged and intense suffering. The hunt often begins with a pursuit lasting hours, until the whale slows from exhaustion. Once in range, hunters fire an exploding harpoon. This is intended to pierce the whale’s body to a depth of 12 inches before detonation.

http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/whaling/aninhumaneend.aspx#.ULGg7OSXv18

Thomas, and you know this how? Why do they still kill them then?

I know what?

Thomas, and you know this how? Why do they still kill them then?

Would say it is alright as long as they use traditional hunting methods. No modern hunting equipment or boats.

@Devil's Do you really think that the majority of Japanese people have no problems with unnecessary cruelty to animals? Is that just a liberal western concept? Many Japanese are still not even aware of what happens in Taiji.

If your logic was universal, then why are people debating it?

What kind of "logic" is this? The purpose of debating is to change peoples views and opinions, right?

What Taiji does is what Taiji does. It bothers people from other countries because its not what they do. Its not how they grew up. Its about morals. And morals are not Universal.

I'm pretty sure it bothers them because they are unnecessarily killing dolphins and whales in a cruel way.

You can't judge Japanese opinion by nationalist neanderthals but unfortunately they help create an atmosphere in which it is difficult for people to give their true opinions. The economics of whaling are indefensible, the unnecessary suffering of sentient creatures is unacceptable and yet these arguments are usually trumped by the meaningless 'tradition' argument or a reluctance to criticize a practice which has come to mean criticism of Japan.

Thomas, and what is cruel? Of course cruel to you would be how you were taught what cruel was. Obviously, the fisherman of Taiji kill the dolphins that way because they do not think its cruel, no?

Cruel is cruel. We are human and we have the ability to imagine the suffering of others, even animals. This obviously has nothing to do with how I was taught, but it has more to do with biology.

Thomas, and what is cruel? Of course cruel to you would be how you were taught what cruel was. Obviously, the fisherman of Taiji kill the dolphins that way because they do not think its cruel, no?

Doesn't sound Universal to me.

WilliB, and they are not performing research? How is the issue of lying a logical issue?

If your logic was universal, then why are people debating it?

What Taiji does is what Taiji does. It bothers people from other countries because its not what they do. Its not how they grew up. Its about morals. And morals are not Universal.

And nobody should force feed the morals that you learned and grew up on in your country on the way people live in another country. They are not living by the morals of your country.

I think that not killing animals in a cruel way is more or less a universal moral.

For these people to come in their country, criticize their traditions and tell them to stop would anger anyone in any country. I think that these activists do more harm than good, we all know how stubborn the Japanese can be.

Oh please, it has nothing to do with "tradition". And just because it's tradition, it should never be criticized? These nationalists are being irrational, and they are taking things too seriously. Why should ANYONE be angry if their tradition is criticized? They are not their tradition.

The DevilsAssistant:

" And nobody should force feed the morals that you learned and grew up on in your country "

I was not talking about morals. The concept of lying (e.g. when mislabelling a commercial hunting expedition as "research" or mislabelling modern high-teach trips to the Antarctic) as "tradition" is not one or morality, it is one of logic. And that is universal.

I was simply asking those who bring up the "tradition" argument to shelve this strawman.

If you want to protect tradition, do that. But don´t use the "tradition" label to justify modern practises.

And nobody should force feed the morals that you learned and grew up on in your country on the way people live in another country. They are not living by the morals of your country.

The nationalists accused the environmentalists of undermining Japanese culture and traditions, saying “environmental terrorists” should be sent to slaughter houses.

It's nice to see the right wingers making their feelings so honestly clear. Nationalism seems to have a long history of slaughtering humans in the name of various causes and these people are just demonstrating which Japanese cultural traditions they endorse!

kimuzukashii;

" For these people to come in their country, criticize their traditions "

Strawman! You can make the argument that the dolphin kill in Tajii is "traditional", as long as they eat the dolphins. (They would only need to kill few for that.) But there is nothing "traditional" about sea parks and capturing wild dolphins to be sent there. And there most certainly is nothing "traditional" about that sending high-tech factory fleet so the antarctis to hunt whales with sonar and exploding harpoons.

If you want to protect tradition, do that. But don´t use the "tradition" label to justify modern practises.

50 vs 30 people marching... No wonder, the year after the Fukushima nuclear crisis affected millions of people.

@gokai Now that's the kind of logic you'd expect from the thick-headed nationalists reported here. Look up the word 'debate' - many Americans and other gaijin engage in this.

Anybody watched "The Cove"? The funniest moment was the loon videotaping the "activists", screaming: "Kaerrreee, kaerrreee!".

@kimuzukashiiiii

I too kinda can understand how these so called nationalists feel. They feel threatened because they are not used to anyone opposing, or questioning, their confused views. In Japan, nobody ever speaks up when something is wrong.

50 people vs. 30 people really sounds like a joke, though. I bet the other 19,999,920 people had some much needed shopping to do...

Let's go to the US and protest that they are too fat. Oh, or is that their tradition?

30 vs (50 + AFP)

Are those nationalists demanding more "research" in the name of science?

I agree, hoserfella. It would've been worth it if the protesters had mocked the rightwingers for their farcical imperial leanings- Or had told them to go to North Korea where their kind of views belong. **

Im not pro whaling/dolphin hunting, but I do see the nationalists point.

For these people to come in their country, criticize their traditions and tell them to stop would anger anyone in any country. I think that these activists do more harm than good, we all know how stubborn the Japanese can be.

Stop whaling through diplomatic means, not petty protests.

50 is a sad little number. And I'll bet at least half were foreigners