Whaling: a Reason to Boycott Japanese Goods

On the 18th of November 2007 the Japanese whaling fleet has set out with the intention of killing 1000 whales. They will target hundreds of Minke whales, and tens of fin whales and the no less magnificient humpback whale (the star of the 4th Star Trek movie (or one of them)).

Fins and humpbacks are endangered. Scientific research reveals that humpbacks probably talk to each other. They are very important in whale watching and have a wonderful song which carries long distances.

The Japanese and Norwegians want to carry on killing whales because of traditions they wish to preserve. Ironically, the USA encouraged the Japanese to eat whales after World War ii and the Japanese can't kick the habit though it is dying slowly. There is no need to kill whales, because Japanese larders are full of unsold whale and people are refusing to eat it. The Japanese government and its fishing fleets are adamant in wishing to continue whaling in the teeth of opposition.

Yet it has to be said that the opposition from governments is weak. Just as much as many poor countries will not risk offending Chinese wrath by inviting the Dalai Lama, who otherwise would be so welcome, industrialized countries and poor countries that rely on Japanese trade and aid respectively don't wish to ruffle any feathers. We can expect something less than a song of the humpback whale protest from our politicians on this issue, or nothing at all. Since when did any politician, except a retired or unemployed one get anything done on an environmental front? Rarely at best.

Under these circumstances, if we wish to oppose whaling, we have to join and create media campaigns against Japanese goods and services and humiliate these proud companies at every turn. I know that you and I have Japanese goods - it is so difficult to get away so let me blow the trumpet against Japanese goods.