Japan is set to expand its commercial whaling activities to include fin whales, in addition to three smaller species, after withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission in 2019.
The decision, supported by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, aims to promote the sustainable use of whales as part of Japan’s traditional food culture.
The Fisheries Agency has initiated a public comment process for the proposed expansion, citing a sufficient recovery in the fin whale population in the North Pacific.
Despite controversy surrounding Japan’s whaling practices, the industry seeks to revive whale meat consumption through initiatives like whale meat vending machines and new mother ships for sustainable whaling operations.