Japanese's History of Whaling
Large scale whaling had been going on since the 9th century. However by the 12th century large scale whaling had already become part of a part of the Japanese culture. Though it was in World War II where there was a significant increase in whaling with severe food shortages worldwide. This had then become part of the Japanese diet and by 1947, 50% of the protein obtained from their diets was from whales. Whaling has become such a large part of Japan’s culture and history that whale meat is considered a delicacy where whale consumption continues to this day. However, the involvement of whaling in Japanese history and culture doesn't end here, with the whale meat being used as gifts and currencies as well as having shrines that are used by the women to pray during the whaling season.
Nowadays, the Japanese not only hunt for traditional purposes but also for commercial and scientific purposes as the government uses the whales for scientific study and their products such as whale meat for commercial business. As well as that, the Japanese whalers have also expanded their hunting grounds as they now not only hunt in the North Pacific but the South Pacific as well. The diagram below shows where the oceans which are subjected to the practice of Japanese whaling are located and where Japan is located.
Nowadays, the Japanese not only hunt for traditional purposes but also for commercial and scientific purposes as the government uses the whales for scientific study and their products such as whale meat for commercial business. As well as that, the Japanese whalers have also expanded their hunting grounds as they now not only hunt in the North Pacific but the South Pacific as well. The diagram below shows where the oceans which are subjected to the practice of Japanese whaling are located and where Japan is located.
Figure 1, Source: http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/112penniman/112locate2.htm , Edited Personally