Japanese whaling ships set out for first commercial hunts in 33 years, preserving tradition despite backlash
- Whaling has proved a diplomatic flashpoint for Japan, which says the practice is part of the country’s tradition and should not be subject to international interference
- But consumption has declined significantly in recent decades – with much of the population saying they rarely or never eat whale meat
Whaling ships set sail on Monday from Japan as the country began its first commercial hunts in decades, after withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission, which in 1986 enacted a moratorium on the practice.
Five vessels from whaling communities left port in northern Japan’s Kushiro with their horns blaring and grey tarps thrown over their harpoons.
Japan’s decision to withdraw from the IWC was slammed by activists and anti-whaling countries, but the resumption of commercial hunts has been welcomed by Japanese whaling communities, and the departure from Kushiro was celebrated with a send-off ceremony.
“My heart is overflowing with happiness, and I’m deeply moved,” said Yoshifumi Kai, head of the Japan Small-Type Whaling Association, addressing a crowd of several dozen politicians, local officials and whalers. “This is a small industry, but I am proud of hunting whales. People have hunted whales for more than 400 years in my hometown.”
Celebratory cups of the Japanese liquor sake were handed out during the ceremony, before the boats left the dock.
Whaling vessels are also leaving Monday morning from other ports including in Shimonoseki in western Japan.
The country’s Fisheries Agency said on Monday it had set a cap for a total catch of 227 whales through the season until late December – 52 minke, 150 Bryde’s and 25 sei whales.