Japan continues whale hunts

Summary: Whales bring us pleasure as we watch them swim in the sea. However, they have become the subject of a controversial issue nowadays. That is, Japan is persistent with whale hunting, whereas Australia and some other countries are against the practice. They argue that Japan doesn't abide by non-binding 1986 moratorium of commercial whaling and kill hundreds of whales a year on the grounds of what Japan claims 'scientific research.' There was held a conference in Chile, failing to change Japan's attitude. The IWC(International Whaling Commission) chairman decided to set up a long-term working group to resolve this issue, a difficult one that brings about a lot of tension between the two sides. Some activists protests against the whale hunting in front of Japanese embassy in Santiago, Chile. Yet Japan is determinant not to give way to the other sides' claim. Norway and Ice Land continue the whale hunting and aborigines in Alaska and Greenland are specially granted for whale hunting to keep their livelihood.

Opinions: I think this problem shows clash between different cultures, that is, whale-hunting cultures and non-whaling cultures. I heard that Japan has a long history of whale hunting and whale food. It's very difficult for them to give up their tradition because other nations do not understand the practice and put pressure on them to stop it. I also remember western media have reported about Korean people eating dog. From the westerners' point of view, it's barbarious act because dogs are adorable pets to them. But from Korean's point of view, eating dog meat is allowable depending upon individual's food taste. So, I kind of understood why Japan declines Australia and other countries' request not to hunt whales.
On the other hand, however, we also need to prohibit or restrict the practice of whale-hunting. In the old days, Japanese fisherman might have caught only a handful of whales for their livelihood. However, in modern world, equipped with modern machines, they move around the world's oceans, hunting down as many whales as they want. If they continue like this, our future generations will never see any whales in the sea again. Commercial whaling can be detrimental for the species existence. Other countries who values the life of whales and who don't want to see the its extinction have to right to stop the act. Basically Japan is not hunting whales in its territory, but working on international seas. Therefore, Japan shouldn't do as they please about whale hunting no matter how long tradition they have about it.
To conclude, I think international community ought to understand Japanese culture first. However, I would say it's a rightful act for other international communities to call for Japan to refrain from whale hunting because the number of whales are very limited at the moment and we don't want the species extinct and because Japanese fleets are actually working in the international sea, which mean Japan also listen to and respect other countries' opinions instead of being obstinate and doing whatever they want to do.

Pilsu, this is an excellent posting. Fantastic summary, and a very thoughtfully expressed opinion. Somehow, I think you've managed to be sensitive to the Japanese considerations prior to reaching your broader, global conclusion. You've argued your points extremely well!

~ Jason

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As my opinion, traditional culture can be a kind of excuse which Japan can take advantage of. Traditional culture doesn't mean truth. Nowadays Japan always hunt whales in public sea in stead of within its territory. Such activity is similar with some people try to minimize their expense by using public electrial power by any means. It's a kind of stealing. It should be prohibited. Thinking about whale, I couldn't imagine it can be treated like a dog or a chicken.