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Author: Hideaki Sakamoto

Whales in the Japanese Landscape: Taking Life, The Naked Providence of Nature

2022-07-24
On: 2022-Jul-24

“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 whaling captain.

Whales in the Japanese Landscape: Proud Thieves Seeking the Riches of the Sea

2022-07-06
On: 2022-Jul-06

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.

Whales in the Japanese Landscape: A Test of Character, Past and Present

2022-06-16
On: 2022-Jun-16

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 economics.

Whales in the Japanese Landscape: The Power of the Warrior Spirit

2022-05-25
On: 2022-May-25

The whaling economy was preceded by a battle to overcome a giant creature which, more than profits and losses, required a spiritual vitality.

Whales in the Japanese Landscape: A Natural Resource and the Start of Manufacturing

2022-05-18
On: 2022-May-18

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.

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