12th Century Tradition Meets 21st Century Concerns

This website is intended to teach senior high school students about the harsh realities of Japanese Whaling.

Japanese whaling reached its peak in 2005 with 1,243 confirmed whale kills. Albeit, its lowest point in history was reached, with the help of selfless organizations, in 2014 reaching only 196 kills.

Japanese whaling

History

Poaching or deep rooted culture?

Whaling has been proven to be an engraved cultural industry for the Japanese fostered centuries ago. Governments and agencies from around the world including the UN have made several attempts to warn Japan of the dangers that come from carrying on such traditions. Despite all warning, the Japanese continue to exploit a loophole in International Whaling Commission (IWC) claiming that all hunts are solely scientific research. The abuse of power is ludicrous and will slowly deteriorate ecosystems globally.

As more attempts to halt devastation of the specie roll in, the whalers ignored the IWC and considered themselves exempt from the UN’s highest court in the 2015 2016 season and continue to slaughter the Southern Ocean. The Japanese government has repeatedly stated that they would like to see a return to commercial whaling, despite the opposition of most of the world’s countries and a shrinking market. With limited funds to fight this growing problem, it is imperative to seek a binding resolution and solve this growing problem.

Annual Research Quota

127

Minke (Coastal)

43

Minke (North Pacific)

134

Sei (North Pacific)

100%

Illegal

How to help

There is never been a better time to get involved. Whaling is dangerous to our ecosystem and continues to devastate multiple species. Please find your way to contribute below!