Japan celebrates whales every year on September 8, and the most exquisite whale meat attracts eager spectators and impressive prices in Tokyo's markets.
Visitors to the Taiji Whale Museum had an opportunity to get up close to the whales and learn about their unique dental characteristics.
Visit Cape Muroto in Kochi and learn more about living with whales at the museum, then sample delicious local whale cuisine at friendly local restaurants.
"It is important not to lose our food culture" says Professor Takashi Matsuishi, adding that whale should be used "sustainably based on scientific evidence."
Nicknamed "Yodo-chan" on social media in Japan, what was thought to be a sperm whale wandered into the bay in weakened condition.
“We give thanks that we were able to make the catch without incident. We can’t forget our gratitude for the gift of another life” ー Taiji...
Japanese whalers of the Edo period made huge fortunes from an ocean resource that belonged to no one. Other groups stole some meat but weren’t punished.
Practiced in Japan as far back as 4000 BC, and humans are still chasing whales 6,000 years later, largely for a spiritual reward not measured by...
The whaling economy was preceded by a battle to overcome a giant creature which, more than profits and losses, required a spiritual vitality.
Whales were resources that swam slowly through the sea. Once brought up onto land, their massive bodies were divided and used until there was nothing left.
Voted as Best Film by viewers at the Guam International Film Festival, the whaling documentary by Japanese photographer Bon Ishikawa continues to gain momentum.
The Taiji Whale Museum in Wakayama Launches a 360-degree Panorama Experience.
