Wakayama, Apr 30, 2025 (News On Japan) - The annual Whale Memorial Service was held in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, known as a whaling town, to express gratitude for whales that have long contributed to Japan's food culture.
About 40 people, including members of the local fisheries cooperative, gathered on Tuesday before a memorial monument. As a Buddhist sutra was chanted, they quietly joined their hands in prayer to honor whales that have supported 400 years of whaling tradition and food culture.
Kairabumi, executive director of the Taiji Fisheries Cooperative, said, "We are filled with gratitude toward the whales. We always believe that our lives are sustained by the lives we receive."
Participants from the fisheries cooperative also commented that they hope to continue commercial whaling while adhering to designated catch limits.
Whaling in Taiji is believed to have begun in the early 1600s, during the Edo period, when organized group hunting methods were developed. Taiji fishermen created unique techniques, such as driving whales into coves for capture, which allowed the town to flourish as a center of whaling innovation. These methods not only supplied meat but also whale oil and other materials that supported the town's economy and contributed to the development of Japan’s coastal industries.
Throughout the centuries, Taiji remained closely tied to whaling, with its traditions passed down through generations. Even after international regulations and growing criticism of whaling practices emerged in the late 20th century, Taiji maintained its cultural attachment to the industry. The town adapted by focusing on small-scale whaling operations and actively participating in scientific research programs, preserving its historical identity while navigating changing domestic and international perspectives.
Today, Taiji continues to practice commercial whaling on a limited scale, emphasizing sustainability and respect for the whales' role in Japanese food culture. The town also hosts memorial services and ceremonies, such as the annual Whale Memorial Service, to express gratitude toward the animals that have supported its way of life for over four centuries. While Taiji remains at the center of global debate over whaling, for many residents, it symbolizes a living tradition rooted in survival, culture, and respect for nature.
Source: YOMIURI
