Why doesn't Japan get it. Why can't they get it that it is not right. What happens if the humpback goes exticnt. It will effect the food chain.How could they be so insenstive.Killing poor innocent whales. They do not have any right to kill them.The whales did not do anyting to Japan.We need to do something or the whales will not last another year.

Aliyah, Schenectady, New Tork

Shave the whales!!!
Japan whaling shouldn't end, but it should just be monitored a bit more. Apart from that, what's the big deal - make it quick for all the greenies in us but really unless you're vegan you don't have much right to complain. Though they probably should be kept alive for our tourism and such.

TG, Melbourne, Australia

A note for the Japanese people and its Government:

I would like to voice my disappointment at the Japanese Government's decision to resume the hunting of humpback whales under the pretence of 'scientific testing'. What is almost as insulting to those against this is idea that your Government could, for one moment, believe that anyone would actually accept this excuse for slaughter. No one outside of Japan accepts or believes this reason for whale hunting, whether it be for Humpback whales or any other species of whale, and whalers bring shame on your nation by persisting with this barbaric practice.

It is difficult to rationalise Japan's choice in this matter, and its acceptance of virtual world-wide condemnation as a result. I also find it difficult to comprehend how a nation as proud as Japan is willing to continue this outdated industry, simply because your nation has an appetite for whale meat. This decision It does neither your Government, nor your people any favours.

Alan, Buxton, UK

"I laugh at those Americans that define the Japanese a 'cruel race' and 'crude barbarians'."

The U.K. consumes plenty of meat as well and there's no shortage of condemnation for Japanese whaling there.

Please don't conflate objections to whaling with objections to killing animals for food. Cows and pigs are not facing potential extinction at human hands.

Will, Seattle,

This is a deplorable act, the Japanese people should be thoroughly ashamed at their governement for proceeding with this decision. What possible scientific progress can be made by slaghtering animals on such a scale and in what way is fully automated, industrial whale harvesting a traditionalist practice? Sanctions should be levied against Japan immediately.

Ian, Newcastle,

My first thought is: isn't there enough killing and bloodshed in this world?

I clearly understand that in an earlier age, whales were valued for oil and as a source of food. The Japanese are not starving; this is simply an act of aggression toward a creature unable to defend itself.

In a time when all of us are poluting the oceans with chemicals and debris - yes, all of us - it seems to me that we should be in awe of what nature we have remaining around us. I am disappointed that Japan, instead of using its considerable talents to rise above killing for the sake of killing, has sunk to this level.

If I may, I would recommend reading "Sightings" by Brenda Peterson and Linda Hogan. For those who dont' know just what they think about whales, it is a must read - also an easy read. ISBN: 0792241029

Chris, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Dear Public,

There really is only one tactical move when dealing with Japan. You must first realize that their perception of the world and history is very ethnocentric and that outside political pressures will not be effective.

The population of the world wishing to remove whaling from the face of the seas should simply cut off their financial support by not purchasing anything "Japan".

It will not take long for the business and banking concerns to shut off the financial support to commercial whaling under any guise they apply.

When 15 or 20 thousand Toyotas or Nissans don't sell, and I mean that it should be specific and recorded - persons of reputable standing in our communities must go to their Japanese sourced auto delaers and prepare to purchase an auto and when the choice and price have been agreed to simply state: "I cancel the purchase because your source for the products is a member of a society who will not comply with the wishes of the world and kills whales!

Russell Walker, Exeter, Kent

What can be gained with regards to scientific research from 1000 whales that can't be found from say 10-20 whales? The numbers used for scientific research are ridiculous.

Kieran, St Andrews,

I would like to see these labs the research is taking place in. I imagine 2 people in white coats twiddling there thumbs.

As for Jay Macks comments:

"As for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, they should use military force to prevent the slaughter. "

Not every country wants to go around bullying and invading other countries. Things should be solved without violence.

Tani Wha, London,

Dear Jay mack

"As for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, they should use military force to prevent the slaughter."

Don't make me laugh, and you did by the way..

New Zealand's military is in a terrible state, due to ten years of a labour goverment..

Sound familiar to anything?

Australia has just brought a few new shiny toys of the Americans, yeah, you guys, the war starters and so they wont want to get them dirty..

And the South Africians are too busy with internal politics to worry about the Japs.

So why don't you, the US and A, savior of the world invade for us all?

Just tell the president that theres oil...

Sam, Auckland, NZ

"Europeans once had a "whaling culture" as well - hence Nantucket & the Falkland Islands. Then civilization moved into the modern world."

fred s, Seattle, USA

So why do you still kill your own people with the electric chair? Taser them to death for opening their mouth (there goes freedom of speech)? Civilised indeed.

Jeff, Manchester,

yes, of course we should ban all Japanese products which would be especially effective just before Christmas. It would not take long before we had an assurance they would comply with the bans.

We saw the recent programme on how dolphins are trapped supposedly for swimming with dolphin experiences, and just how many ended up on dining tables.

Some of us remember all we have read and heard from those involved in the last World War, and it would seem some characters just cannot be altered.

Roz Venner, St Neots,

I laugh at those Americans that define the Japanese a "cruel race" and "crude barbarians". Are you aware that you come from a country that slaughtered 104 million pigs and 34 million cows in 2006 (USDA data)? Have the Japanese ever dared defining you guys as an uncivilized nation? Get a grip and start minding your own business.

Andy, London, UK

Anna (from Seattle) - It's a logical fallacy to use one atrocity (Iraq) to condone another unrelated atrocity (killing hump-back whales).

One step toward respecting other people is respecting our world, and it's animals.

Just curious ... where did you pull the number 850 from ... why not 735 or 1,112?

Fred S., Seattle, USA

Most if not all posters agree this is a terrible crime, so what can we do about it?

I for one will not buy anything with Japanese content be it a TV, Car, Camera, etc despite the fact that they make excellent products. If the world acts as a one they will soon back down when their own people become affected and jobs are on the line and their large corporations start complaining to their own government. Apart from this and contributions to Greenpeace it needs 'Direct Action' for sure. Maybe the Australian Navy should get involved, I hope so.

MikeL, Manchester, UK

I understand the strong feelings of many of the people who have posted here. I also think that whaling is an antiquated and unnecessary attack on species nearing extinction.

I don't understand people's condemnation of the Japanese as a culture or race based on this issue.

Rather than boycotting Japanese products, why not boycott American products until we stop arbitrarily arresting, imprisoning, and torturing people with no attention to international human rights conventions?

Rather than calling the Japanese 'a cruel race,' why not question the psychological makeup of the countries (US, UK, etc.) perpetrating this war against terror?

It's a cruel and nearly pointless practice to cull whales, but we are committing more heinous acts against human beings every single day. More than 850 innocent Iraqis will die during the whaling season, I can assure you.

Anna, Seattle, WA,

They killed 500 last year and want 850 more this year.... and that's just one species.

Tell me anyone, what's the point of a commercial ban if such entirely commercial numbers are still killed for 'science'?

Seems ridiculous that this loop-hole was allowed and it negates the entire point of an international agreement.

Of course this could have something to do with the fact that the sympathetic fishermen in Japan have entirely annhialated the tuna stocks for 1000's miles in every direction due to their greed and technological genius in search of efficiency.

Surely they can see however, that they can put that natural genius to better global use than shooting-up big gentle and innocent marine mammals?

Richard Mee, Cambridge, UK

Aleks of Beograd - maybe you should think before you accuse people from Asia of eating anything. Norway also uses whales for food, and their populations are carefully maintained.

And as for testicles, well, just take a look at Italy, where in Tuscan supermarkets I've seen pretty much every cow organ imaginable.

I can't speak for Beograd, but I imagine you guys probably have some similarly unusual practices.

And fyi, whale tastes AMAZING

Martin , St Andrews, Scotland

These people are disgusting. I agree with other commentators on this board. The UK and US should ban japanese products outright (even if it means the pretentious chattering classes going without their sushi) , and our governments should get behind groups like Greenpeace to help block them.
Hopefully as the generations progress the japanese will drop this idiotic obsession and move on. Then the whale populations can grow without fear of extermination.

stephen, london,

The Japanese are a nation of hearless bottom-feeders. They would easily kill and devour all the oceans animals, down to the last dolphin and sea urchin. They need to know that the world's whales are not the citizens of Nanking, which they also slaughtered in their tens of thousands.

Shame forever on Japan!

Walter Clayton, LAS VEGAS , NV

Europeans once had a "whaling culture" as well - hence Nantucket & the Falkland Islands. Then civilization moved into the modern world.

fred s, Seattle, USA

Have they ever published the researchfrom these trips... surely that what the ministers should be looking at and seeing whether there needs to be anymore... if they've been at it since the 1960's secretly or in public, then there should be a body of evidence by now surely?
Oh and I agree on a ban of Japan products, you're right I'm afraid to deal with wrong Gov. policy, money talks/hurts.

Emma, Liverpool, UK

The Institute for Cetacean Research, a non-profit body, and the only organization authorized by the Japanese government's Fisheries Agency, argues that Japan's whaling activities and the sale of meat are based on Article 8 of the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, a treaty that formed the basis of the International Whaling Commission's founding and still governs the body. This has been the loophole that has allowed Japan to profit from whale hunting under the moratorium on whaling by killing whales in the name of scientific research. The member nations of the IWC do not enforce the regulations. Unfortunately, the diplomatic approach is unsuccessful, countries have been taking diplomatic channels for decades and Japanese scientific whaling continues to increase. The United States alone could force an end to Japanese whaling by embargoing Japanese fish products and by upholding the law to force Japan into compliance.

Peter, Toronto, Canada

I love the Japanese, I admire -most- aspects of Japanese culture... but as an animal-lover... I find this very hard to understand! But, yet again, us British folks can't debate... because we still have fox-hunting, badger-bating, deer hunting, fishing and a very high level of abuse/neglect towards our own pets!

Sophie, Liverpool, England

"The Japanese expose themselves once again for the crude barbarians that they actually are"

"Such a cruel race."

What disgusting bigoted comments. How many of the people who have left comments here have actually been to Japan? How can you say that because a minority participate in the culling this makes every single Japanese person "barbaric" and "cruel"? I don't agree with the whale killing, but I agree even less with racism.

Eilidh Cage, Dundee, Scotland

To: RJW in Brisbane, Australia. Thank you for the info you provided on the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. I took your advice and have made a donation. I will go back and make another soon. I wish there was more I could do.

Colin, Singapore, Singapore

yeah i agree barbara

the price is just wrong

if they lifted their quota then the prices would be more reasonable

go Japan

millersnose, LU,

1.according to BBC and the japan times, they will hunt 50 humpback whales. IWC websites say there are 44100~65200 humpback whales living on earth(Approximate 95%
confidence limits, also refer to the guideline of statistics.)
its estimated there are over a million minke whales on the earth. i dont know much about whales biologically, but this hunting does not seem to drive them into extinction.
2.In recent years, only Japan and Iceland have issued permits for killing whales for scientific reserch by IWC.
3. its a important culture for very small amount of japanese.

Kanzo, kyoto, JAPAN

It's a brutal world, but the killing of these delightful creatures by a "modernised" nation, such as Japan makes a mockery of humanity. Shame on Japan.

Chris, Sunshine Coast, Australia

There are less than 28,000 humpback whales left on this planet, the Japanese intend to kill about 800 (don't quote me on this, the number is not exact but it's similar in every paper I read) in the next few months. Why are they doing this? They have been saying it's for "research purposes" for the last three decades. Is this really the country where the Kyoto Protocol was signed? What a laugh - they don't give a damn about the global environment.

LindaW, Swindon, U.K.

I don't buy anything made in Japan, or made by a Japanese company, I chose to make a singular stand on this issue. One against a nation don't add up to much but when enough individuals take that same stand, then maybe, just maybe we can make a difference.

Geoff Ambrose, Southampton,

It seems people in Asia will eat anything. I once saw a programme where it showed a person from Asia eating the testicles of a pig, as a delicacy. Seriously, their brand of cuisine is different. But does that make it right for them to hunt an endangered species? Well, since a lot of us don't eat whales, obviously we'd say NO!

Can't they just hunt another animal and eat it, and then wait for the whaling population to repopulate?

Aleks, Beograd, SRB

"What about cows? Should we stop eating cows? They are endangered species. They do not roam free. Why doesn't Greenpeace protest against cow farms?"

Cows are not endangered, except maybe in Slovenija. Buy the best analogy with cows would be this: A group of men in a jeep fire a harpoon into a cow and drag it across fields for half an hour. Wholesome image, isn't it.

Eugene, Chester, England

i would boycott japanese products
and this should be done as a campaign

eddie, london, uk

What about cows? Should we stop eating cows? They are endangered species. They do not roam free. Why doesn't Greenpeace protest against cow farms?

Igor, Ljubljana, Slovenija

The Japanese expose themselves once again for the crude barbarians that they actually are. My Grandfather was among the very first persons to actually see the Japanese Zeros coming down on Pearl Harbor because he and his unit were guarding aircraft on Hickam Field. He is one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors. His descriptions of the attack are chilling.

And so we have a new Pearl Harbor. Only this time the Japanese are not just attacking the U.S. but the entire planet. Whales are a critical component of the oceanic ecosystem upon which we all depend. In the name of "research" and archaic "culture" they slaughter thousands of these majestic mammals.

It's time that the civilized world stand up to Japan as it did 66 years ago, which whatever means neccessary. At least we should boycott anything and everything Japanese. Sony would make a nice target.

As for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, they should use military force to prevent the slaughter.

Jay Mack, Pasadena, USA / CA

"What did you expect! Japan can have all the latest technology in the world and be seen as a cultural society..........but it does not mean they are civilised.Shame on their house" -Kenneth O'Boyle, Perth, Perthshire

If I were Japanese, I would take little notice of such a comment from someone whose country is littered with drunken yobs attacking paramedics and firemen, cider-pumped youth getting pregnant on park benches, murderous feral chavs who would kill anyone who dares challenge them, and the list goes on and on.

How typically British of you to critisise others before our own house is in order.

Pete, Cov,

This is an extremly cruel thing to do!!!!!!!!!Whales are amazing animals and it would be so sad to see them die!!!!From my point of veiw i think that it is horriable thing to do so please stop before its to late stop killing the whales.What have they ever done to do??They have live babys so if the japanese kill them its very likely that the babys will die to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are beautiful and very adorable animals so STOP please!!!!!

Anna, Sunshine coast Australia, oueensland

The japanese government has a history of buying votes of member countries of the International Whaling Commission, such as Tonga, Fiji etc.
There are questions about how a 'cultural' tradition can develop after only 60 odd years of established practice, Japan didn't hunt hunt whales prior to world war 2.
And the question also needs to be asked how does this 'scientific' hunting result in whale meat ending up in restaurants?

The japanese government has never listened to world opinion on this barbaric practice, i believe it is time to boycott japanese consumer items and companies, such as Sony, Mitsubishi etc .
Historically succesive japanes governments have always been highly influenced by private industry, perhaps a consumer boycott of major japanese companies might have some influence?

J Carter, Melbourne, Australia

In response to Ari, London, If you’re eating whale, you might want to think again – the blubber of dead whales in many areas is so highly contaminated with organochlorines such as PCBs and pesticides that it would be classified as toxic waste! Organochlorines are known to damage development of children and affect reproduction. Go for it.

Woody, Cornwall,

well, there are many advantages of killing large beasts like whales! first, they eat up huge amount of fish which can b used by humen, Second they eat up lotsa microscopic bacterial life, which if left alone could feed several other rare species which we can make good use of! I think all the whales should be killed so our waters are safe, and NO WHALES NO TRADITION for japanese as a matter of fact! I wonder what they gona do with their harpoons? moreover more than 3/4th of the world living on warm waters dont even know how to spell a wail, veil, whale whatever!!

H.H.Rahman, JED,

I would love to know how the harpooning, skinning and decapitation of a defencless and dying species is in anyway progression for the scientific community. How does killing vast numbers of a species that is close to extention further our knowledge about them or preserve them for future generations? Quite simply, it doesn't. It is just another pathetic excuse given in order to continue an illegal act allowing everyone to look the other way. How valuable will this 'research' be in 20 years time when all we have left are pictures and videos to remind us of what we have destroyed.

Tom , Paris,

These animals are an endangered species and they are mamals. How would the World react if the white rhino, Bengal tiger and mountain gorilla were being hunted by the Japanese?
Politicians 'condem' the actions of the Japanese but that has no effect whatsoever. What is needed is that the Japanese feel the effect either in their pocket or loss of dignity. That is the only thing the Japanese understand.
I belong to a society where the Japanese ambassador is an honary member. At next months AGM I am going to propose that we remove his honary membership.

Brit, W Riding, Yorks

If you want to do something positive, support the Sea Shepherd organisation. Send them a donation - large or small - to help them in the forthcoming fight against the Japanese whalers. Go to http://www.seashepherd.org for details. This is the ONLY environmental society willing to take on the whaling fleet effectively - that is physically, by direct confrontation. They were largely instrumental in forcing this wilful and illegal slaughter to be abandoned early last year and will do everything possible over the next few weeks to cause the maximum disruption to the Japs. Diplomacy is, has been and will continue to be ineffective in this cause. SeaShepherd believes in and actually takes direct action. It works and it is successful. But it is a costly exercise and relies on volunteers and finance from its supporters. Do you want to help? Visit the site for information. Then send them some cash - any amount, no matter how small – NOW.

RJW, Brisbane, Australia

Such a cruel race.

Terry Peers, Bridgwater, Somerset

A brutal decision by a brutal people, though at least they are restricting their activities to animals.

Simon Marshland, Bath, Somerset

Another sad day to be a human with a brain, this is a notch in the timeline to the end of a natural world, too many humans, defenseless whales hunted buy giant relentless killing machines, a real horror story. Say no to japanese products.

robert, london, uk

Such beautiful creatures being murdered not for food as it appears but of national pride.....what a wonderful world we live in.
God speed to Sea shepard and greenpeace.

Paul Houghton, JHBG, South Africa

It is difficult to put into words how badly I feel about this whale hunt. In my opinion, this is tantamount to TERRORISM against nature. The Japanese say it is to revive their Whale Hunting culture which is a pathetic excuse. If they wanted to symbolize their culture then write a few books and we can get teary eyed and empathize with their wretched cravings. I thought honour was part of the Japanese culture too, why then do they take a gun to a knife fight? If culture is what they are about they should chase whales in open boats with a wooden spear, not massive ocean trawlers equiped with a high pressure pneumatic canons. Japan is off my "Christmas list" and the world's leaders should NOT stand by and let them kill 1000 of the planet's most majestic and peaceful animals !

Colin, Singapore, Singapore

If the world announces today that concerned citizen’s stop buying Japanese goods, this includes car, till this barbaric practices is stopped then we the world can make a differences. Please ask everyone you know to pass on this message. Please also call every TV and Radio Station and have them ask this question. Should we boycott Japanese goods to the whaling stops!

Gary Snyder, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, UK

I thought their 'cultual tradition' hunting meant 10 men going out on a flimsy tiny boat with basic hand weapons and fighting a whale for hours. Some kudos the Japanesse have nowadays by using 8,000 tonne ships and thousands of lbs of thrust on a sharply projected harpoon.
Not exactly zen now is it?

Save the whale ! Save the planet !

Mike Mc, London, UK

i don't count myself as a environmental activist but this makes me want to become one. the japanese government should be more responsible in recognizing that the humpback whale is in danger of becoming extinct. The fact that this hunting expedition is being conducted in the name of science makes this act even more inexcusable. These scientists should know that they are endangering not only the whales but the whole ecosystem. Surely even the most important tradition should be discontinued if it threatens an already theatened species

Bryan, New London, CT

I for one find whale meat tasty and nutritious. I prefer my whale steak medium rare cooked in butter. Delicious!

Ari, London, Merton

There is no justifiable reason for Japan to mount this archaic whale hunt. Makes me want to boycot Japanese goods.

LesB., Wellington, NV

What did you expect! Japan can have all the latest technology in the world and be seen as a cultural society..........but it does not mean they are civilised.Shame on their house.

Kenneth O'Boyle, Perth, Perthshire

These species are very rare , they are hunted on the name of research and sold , it is not acceptable to any human, plz dont consume Meat of whales..........

franklinpb, Hyderabad, India/Andhra Pradesh

I hope for one that Greenpeace accidently sink these ships, may the bells of Lloyds of London sound once again!

dan, auckland, nz

why dont we use them as target practise for the australian NAVY . we dont like them any more any leave the whales alone . if it was p to me i would just shoot them out of the water , how cares what happens to them if they want to come done here and have a go , come on down it wont be like the second world war now . this will be drifferent , subs should be able to get very close and just sink them . i think every will be happy And goverments there no good they justsit around an talk about nothing , we should take matters in our own hands and get rid of all the JAPAN whalering fleet as of now.

grant, sydney, australia

I am horrified about this development. Here in San Francisco Bay area all woked so hard to save the mother Humpback and her calf whtn they entered the Sacramento River. We love these animals. They are so special. They do not deserve being "harvested" I am sick about this and I have dimished respect for Japan!!!!

Betty SIlls

Betty SIlls, Foster City, CA USA

Because of our ever-growing reliance on Asia we are unable to use our American influence.

John, Virginia Beach, Virginia

I haqve always felt that this harvest of whales has been based on greed and not necessity of "feeding the masses." Makes me ill to think of a whale being killed to satisfy the palates of the Japaneseor any one else for that matter. And it really makes me sick to read that the whale meat isn't being consumed but stockpiled. Two years ago I read that whale meat was selling for $250 USD a pound in Japan. It is just wrong.

Barbara Allen, Clarkston, Washington, United States