In May 2024, Japan announced it would expand its commercial whaling operations to include the fin whale. This species was severely depleted after decades of whaling. While their numbers have generally improved since the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) moratorium on commercial whaling they are still classed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List. There is no information about their population status in Japanese waters. 

Japan’s decision to continue this barbaric practice doesn’t just undermine global whale conservation efforts, it also exacerbates wider threats such as ocean noise, pollution, and climate change.

In early April 2026, Japan slaughtered its first minke whales of the season off Hokkaido—and the hunting isn't over. More whales, including 'Vulnerable' fin whales and 'Endangered' sei whales, will die a slow and agonising death unless we act now.

We are calling on Japan to end its commercial whaling programme now. Whaling is cruel, unnecessary, and outdated. We ask Japan to honour its international legal obligations under customary international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to cooperate with the IWC on the conservation, management, and study of whales.

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