Japan resumes commercial whaling

What are the implications?

by Kathy Xu

In December 2018, Japan announced its decision to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission. On 1 July 2019, it sent its first whaling fleet of five boats from Kushiro, Hokkaido. The fleet returned with two minke whales. Why did Japan make this decision and how will it impact the international whaling industry?

How did whaling begin?

Typical whale dance in a whale festival (kujira matsuri) in Japan.

What is the International Whaling Commission?
Why is Japan so determined to catch whales?
Japan's departure from the IWC: good or bad?
What's next for the whaling industry?
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