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Antarctic minke whale (©Institute for Cetacean Research)

Great Whale Genetics Surveys Reveal Changes in Distribution and Abundance

On: 2025-Sep-03

Japan’s research in the Antarctic reveals that, as great whale populations rebound, distributions and the balance among species are shifting again.

Humpback whales have seen a remarkable recovery in their populations in both the southern and northern hemispheres. (©Institute for Cetacean Research)

Antarctic Whales: Insights from Decades of Research

On: 2025-Aug-13

Japan’s long-term surveys of whales in the Antarctic Ocean have deepened understanding of the region’s whale populations. What scientists learned.

IWC69 Report: What the Results Show Us

On: 2025-Feb-17

[SPONSORED] The International Whaling Commission strayed further from its original purpose at IWC69. Should it evolve into an NGO instead of an IGO?

IWC69 Report: Nonbinding Resolutions Highlight New and Old Trends

On: 2025-Feb-17

[SPONSORED] Members submitted nonbinding resolutions at IWC69, revealing a wide divide between anti-whaling nations and the ones supporting sustainable whaling.

IWC69 Report: Catch Quotas and Sanctuary

On: 2025-Feb-17

[SPONSORED] IWC69 applied the automatic renewal of Indigenous whaling strike limits for the first time. With this option, is there a need for the commission?

IWC69 Report: Main IWC Agenda Items of the Session

On: 2025-Feb-17

[SPONSORED] From the choice of location to language and the lack of travel support, why did the IWC69 create hurdles for developing country members?

IWC69 Report: Has the International Whaling Commission become a Zombie?

On: 2025-Feb-17

[SPONSORED] Dr Joji Morishita, Japan’s non-member observer to the IWC, discusses IWC69 and prospects for the whaling commission’s future in a 5-part series.

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

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

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

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.