Kangei Maru departs Shimonoseki Port ahead of its third year of operations, April 18 in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
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The commercial whaling mother ship Kangei Maru departed Shimonoseki Port in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on April 18 for this year's operations in waters including the Sea of Okhotsk.
This marks the vessel's third year of operations. This season, it is scheduled to catch a total of 247 whales, including Bryde's whales. The ship is expected to call at Sendai Port in June, Hakata Port in August, and Kushiro Port in November.
Whale Meat in More Outlets
On the wharf, family members of the crew held colorful paper streamers tied to the ship as they waved goodbye and wished it a safe voyage.
Before the ship set sail, about 120 people involved in the operation gathered on board for a departure ceremony. Hideki Tokoro, president of Kyodo Senpaku, the Tokyo-based company that owns and operates Japan's commercial whaling fleet, said, "We hope for a safe voyage and a good catch."
He added that expectations are growing for greater consumption of whale meat, as more major retailers and restaurant chains have begun carrying it.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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