Australia, Japan and Whaling
Last Saturday, while having dinner with a friend in Nagoya, we came upon this topic. My friend recently watched a tv show uploaded onto Youtube about whaling. He knew that many westerners are against whaling, but was especially surprised at the extend of anger that the Australians feel about the topic.
So, I had to explain to this friend of mine the reasons why Australians dislike whaling so much. Thank goodness I was just talking to one Japanese; a group of them may overwhelm me and I don't think I would have continued with the conversation.
I am no expert on this issue. However, I find the feelings between Australians and Japanese about the issue of whaling is interesting and complicated. I would like to write a bit about it, without any official data, but rather base on what I current know and have heard from both sides. Perhaps someday I will dig deeper into this topic and write a proper essay.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The general Japanese point of view: Why are the Australians so barbaric, attacking our ships and interfering with our work? There are enough number of whales to sustain its population, what is the reason we cannot kill a few?
The general Australian point of view: Why do the Japanese kill such beautiful creatures? They say that they kill for scientific research. That must be a lie. Otherwise, why would they need to kill so many?
It doesn't really matter which side I start from, but I will begin with the Japanese's justification.
Japan's Justification
After World War II, the nation of Japan was a mess. Basic needs were not met. Everything was grim. Most importantly, there was not enough food. This was when whales were began to be considered as a food source and did eventually became one. Japanese sees eating whales as part of their culture. To them, whales are not much different to tuna and salmon.
Myth: Japanese people eat whales all the time. Wrong. Whale meat is expensive so in fact most Japanese have not eaten whale before in their live.
Australia's justification
The most important reason why Australians hate whaling so much, I believe, is the matter of animal cruelty. Australians love their animals, pets or wild. It is said that the Japanese whalers kill whales in a rather cruel manner, that way that it takes them a long time to die. It is a slow and painful death for the whales. In Australia, people get locked up for abusing their pets. It is simply not acceptable in the Australian society. It is especially so in the case of whales. Researchers believe that whales have feelings. They can feel joy and pain. They also communicate with one another.
Every year, whales swim pass the east Australian sea coast during winter during migration. Many people go on boat tours to be able to have a close up look at these creatures. To Australians, whales are like pandas. They are for watching only.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to hear anyone's opinion about this issue as well. But please, no hate messages for either side.
So, I had to explain to this friend of mine the reasons why Australians dislike whaling so much. Thank goodness I was just talking to one Japanese; a group of them may overwhelm me and I don't think I would have continued with the conversation.
I am no expert on this issue. However, I find the feelings between Australians and Japanese about the issue of whaling is interesting and complicated. I would like to write a bit about it, without any official data, but rather base on what I current know and have heard from both sides. Perhaps someday I will dig deeper into this topic and write a proper essay.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The general Japanese point of view: Why are the Australians so barbaric, attacking our ships and interfering with our work? There are enough number of whales to sustain its population, what is the reason we cannot kill a few?
The general Australian point of view: Why do the Japanese kill such beautiful creatures? They say that they kill for scientific research. That must be a lie. Otherwise, why would they need to kill so many?
It doesn't really matter which side I start from, but I will begin with the Japanese's justification.
Japan's Justification
After World War II, the nation of Japan was a mess. Basic needs were not met. Everything was grim. Most importantly, there was not enough food. This was when whales were began to be considered as a food source and did eventually became one. Japanese sees eating whales as part of their culture. To them, whales are not much different to tuna and salmon.
Myth: Japanese people eat whales all the time. Wrong. Whale meat is expensive so in fact most Japanese have not eaten whale before in their live.
Australia's justification
The most important reason why Australians hate whaling so much, I believe, is the matter of animal cruelty. Australians love their animals, pets or wild. It is said that the Japanese whalers kill whales in a rather cruel manner, that way that it takes them a long time to die. It is a slow and painful death for the whales. In Australia, people get locked up for abusing their pets. It is simply not acceptable in the Australian society. It is especially so in the case of whales. Researchers believe that whales have feelings. They can feel joy and pain. They also communicate with one another.
Every year, whales swim pass the east Australian sea coast during winter during migration. Many people go on boat tours to be able to have a close up look at these creatures. To Australians, whales are like pandas. They are for watching only.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to hear anyone's opinion about this issue as well. But please, no hate messages for either side.