Japan's PM vows to resume commercial whale hunt

Japan's prime minister says he will work towards restarting commercial whaling "in order to obtain scientific information indispensable to the management of the whale resources." Moreover, he argues whaling is part of Japanese culture.

Japan has continued to hunt whales by exploiting a loophole in a global moratorium adopted by International Whaling Commission (IWC) that allows non-zero whaling quotas for aboriginal subsistence and also member nations may issue 'Scientific Permits' to their citizens. Japan has issued such permits since 1986.

Japan's Prime Minister has riled many environment and animal-protection organizations in many countries. Japan has made no secret of the fact that whaling is made to cater sensual delight in eating. The meat ends up in restaurants and at fish markets.

We must ask - Should all traditions be retained no matter how cruel they are? Should scientific permits be equal to privileges to killing no matter they are driven by lusts?

When the blue ocean is no longer quiet and bloody foam churn again can you have the "fine" feast with a clear conscience?