Does Japan kill whales for 'research' purposes?

My thoughts are that even research doesn't justify harvesting an animal that could be more intelligent and aware of the universe than we are. But, humanity wears species blinders, as would any creature at the top of the food chain, I guess. We are learning though. One hundred years ago, nobody cared about whales getting slaughtered or baby seals getting clubbed to death so as not to put any holes in their fur. As we become more aware, through science and through the accelerating pace of global education through the Internet, I hope that the fisheries and livelihoods at stake involved in Japan's whaling enterprise will be eased out of existence.

Okay...let's get this straight---Japan is an island (which for those in on the south side) is a body surrounded by water. The Japanese make their way of life off of the animals in the water surrounding them. Not to mention the food that they need to stay alive. It's not like they can just pick up everything and move to another country. Additionally, as rational human beings, they can eat anything that they want (except babies and other human beings) and who do people think that they are that they can tell other people how to live or make a living?

Killing whales for 'study purposes' is a thinly veiled excuse to kill whales for the quite rewarding whale meat marketplace. in the event that they even have been purely attracted to study, they might make the whole technique sparkling, and take steps to guarantee the international community that not one of the whales they kill will ever be used for food. in the event that they are going to kill for intake, then they might desire to be upfront approximately it. the problem with that however, is that there is a moratorium on whaling. they think of they might flaunt the international rules with a nod and a wink and contact it 'study'. Thats why human beings have a difficulty with this. they're breaking the spirit of the regulation.

The answer is... NO...they are not doing reseach. This is common knowledge among all countries. The Japanese love "exotic" foods, in as such; whale meat, squid, octopus etc. It is sad but that is what happens in this world. There needs to be more awareness about this problem..but unfortunately things such as this is low on most peoples/countries priorities.

I think it is an atrocity. It is an absurd twisting of their supposed compliance with with the ban. Disgusting deception.

Even more unfortunate is the movement by whaling nations to totally disregard the IWC. There is a movement afoot to resume whaling without restrictions.

As you are concerned and interested in the plight of the whales, please check out the Sea Shepherd Society at www.seashepherd.org

I believe the Sea Shepherd Society is one of the most relevant voices in opposition to the cruel and unnecessary slaughter of whales.

no, they dont. they kill the whales for the whale meat, which is a delicacy and as such, brings in the bucks. 'exotic' foods and animals will always be hunted and killed as long as someone is willing to pay top dollar for it. our governments should do whatever they can to stop this deplorable conduct from japan and japan (and the other countries that do that same - it is not only japan) should legislate to stop this slaughter immediately.

they research all the whale pieces

then they eat them

Japanese love animals

they taste good!!!

just another destraction for the masses

towards the other mass destractions ,those chemicals must be really bad

no wonder they feed the meat to pets

I wanted to just cut and paste what kiya12bc said. Tha's my exact feelings on this subject.

Maybe they kill them for Biodiesel.