Japan Resumes Fin Whaling, Global Backlash Ensues

Japan has killed its first fin whale in over a decade, a 19.6-meter male weighing 55 tons, caught off Iwate Prefecture by the whaling company Kyodo Senpaku. This controversial action follows Japan's decision in May 2024 to allow the hunting of 59 fin whales, citing a recovery in their population in the North Pacific. The fin whale, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, has not been hunted in Japan since 2011, raising ethical and conservation concerns among experts and activists. Critics, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare, argue that there is no humane way to kill such large animals at sea and call on Japan to rescind its decision. The killing has coincided with ongoing tensions surrounding Japan's whaling practices, highlighted by the recent arrest of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson at Japan's request. Australia has expressed disappointment over Japan's actions, advocating for an end to commercial whaling globally.