Japan announced on Thursday that it would include large fin whales in its roster of commercially hunted species, marking a significant shift five years after departing from the international body overseeing marine mammal hunting. The decision, disclosed by government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi, comes as Japan resumes commercial whaling activities in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zones since its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 2019.
This week, Japan’s Fisheries Agency initiated public feedback on proposed revisions to its policies governing aquatic resource management, paving the way for the commercial harvesting of fin whales.
Hayashi, serving as the chief cabinet secretary, emphasized the importance of scientifically grounded, sustainable utilization of whales as vital food resources. He cited this rationale as justification for expanding the permissible catch to include fin whales, while also stressing the significance of preserving Japan’s traditional food culture.
According to the Fisheries Agency, Japan harvested a combined total of 294 minke whales, Bryde’s whales, and sei whales last year. Currently, commercial whaling in Japan is limited to these three relatively minor species. While whale consumption in Japan reached its apex in the early 1960s, it gradually declined as other meat options became more readily accessible.
Environmental organizations have long criticized Japan for initiating what it termed as scientific research whaling in 1987, following an IWC regulation that prohibited commercial whale hunting. The decision to withdraw from the IWC in 2018 drew disappointment from countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
