Protests or not, Japanese keep eating whale

By Jay Alabaster

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rurika at 04:38 AM JST - 12th January

Shouganaika, exactly. Let's have some statistics. How many Japanese eat whale regularly, how many have just eaten it once, how many have never eaten it at all.
loltehinterwebs at 05:40 AM JST - 12th January

Fact is, the vast majority of whale meat goes unsold and sits in cold storage. Eventually it is turned into pet food. There is not enough demand for whale meat in Japan. The meat is loaded with dangerous chemicals, and we know that.

It might be safe to eat here and there - safe as any fast food joint, but please, you must understand that all Japanese realize that this is an amakudari project that brings profit to a chosen few former bureaucrats from the ministry of farms and fisheries. We know that whale is not a potential source of safe or efficient food - many millions of tons of oil must be burned to catch the whales after all, and that our government is embarassing itself by conducting this hunt.

Still, the meat is natsukashii, and we won't allow other nations to dictate morality to us.
space_monkey at 02:41 PM JST - 12th January

Um, the entire world dictated morality to Japan, or didn't they teach you that at school and they will do it again.
neverknow2 at 07:04 PM JST - 12th January

“If there are plentiful resources, and we can take some without causing whales to go extinct for future generations, what is wrong with that?” Ito asked.

Because its illegal internationally.
Papawhale at 10:56 PM JST - 12th January

Eating whale meat is like eating your dog.
Zenpun at 11:03 AM JST - 13th January

Papawhale

"Eating whale meat is like eating your dog."

Of course, it is tastier than it. I asked my korean & Aussie friend to try the Whale burgers. Both of them said it is tastier & smoother than dog meat or kangaroo meat. In the ancient time, Vikings from scandianavian region like whale meat so much they even ate without cooking.
motytrah at 12:23 PM JST - 13th January

Yes, the Japanese are so proud of it few department stores sell it, and those that do are quite low key about it. Yes indeed. Massive support for it. Did I mention the one time it was served on Iron Chef that one of the judges refused to eat it. And that was back in the 90's. Feel the way of Japanese enthusiasm around eating it.

Old people like to eat it. Why? Because they're old.
fds at 12:26 PM JST - 13th January

Because its illegal internationally.

it was made illegal cause whales were in danger of extinction so doesn't answer the question now that they are not.

In the ancient time, Vikings from scandianavian region like whale meat so much they even ate without cooking.

i've had raw whale meat in japan and its actually quite good.
Yelnats at 03:11 PM JST - 13th January

I love whale meat! Especially Bacon. However, the quality has really gone down in the last 25 years I have been here. Whale sashimi is a bit gamey, and has an interesting aroma. Actually sort of tastes like American buffalo when cooked. Whales are not pets though, so that is a stupid argument. And if whales were really that smart, they would have sung songs to each other about getting the gang together to go after and turn over a few whaling ships. Eat whale. It is good stuff!
escape_artist at 08:16 PM JST - 13th January

@Molenir

I'll tell you plainly, theres nothing wrong with it, and anyone who says different is selling something.

Seems to me that whatever it is Molenir is selling is whale meat. Or ignorance.

Why is Molenir pushing whale meat so strongly, anyway? The bottom line as far as eating safely from the sea is to always try and eat lower on the hierarchy, meaning smaller is better. From what I understand, bigger fish and mammals are nowadays often contaminated with mercury, dioxins and other things that aren't so good to ingest on your dinner plate. A byproduct of the times, unfortunately.

.

@Molenir

Thank you I will. I have no problem eating this murcury free whale meat. And why don't you try finding some non eco-freak, reputable sources rather then just spouting this mercury scare nonsense.

And why do people like this freak out themselves about others who strive to learn about and protect the environment (for all creatures, not just humans)? Grow up, please.
Molenir at 07:11 AM JST - 14th January

Sorry, haven't check in on this thread in awhile.

To answer your question, I'm not pushing whale meat, nor do I eat it. Though I've tried it. What bothers me is the fact that people are so extreme on this. So many people just rant about hunting whales, and thats not something I can understand.

My own stance on this, is that as long as the hunting is not on species that are endangered, then I see no reason not to hunt whales. Managed fishing, just like with any other species.
eternityforme at 11:47 AM JST - 14th January

Solution to the problem... lets go find something else to "scientifically" research. Suggestions anyone ?
eternityforme at 12:37 PM JST - 14th January

Hmmm... Probably not as they're protected and it can't be Sea Shepard because they're to damn hard to catch as well ;-) Hey! I've got it! Has anyone suggested everyone turn to vegans!TA DA! No more issues... Whales are happy (obviously)
hukchone at 04:17 PM JST - 16th January

I'm now living in Japan. But I hate the people who kill Whale.
DoctorLady at 03:01 AM JST - 19th January

Japan's allies in whaling from the Scandinavian countries did their own studies of whale meat safety and found the mercury level to be astronomical. Dioxins were also a problem. Those who want to eat whale meat in Japan have the right to do so, but it is unfortunate that people are not aware of the risks and dangers of it. Luckily, most people (Japanese or other) don't eat that much whale. My Japanese friends warned us that pregnant women should avoid it or they would have babies with birth defects.