This is without a doubt, really reat news. Japan has halted whailing for the year, after pressure from the Australian government. A hat tip to Kevin Rudd and his fellow Aussies for convincing Japan to change their ways.
The country’s chief government spokesman, Nobutaka Machimura, revealed the backdown at a news conference today.
Japan had planned to harpoon 50 humpbacks
He said: “Japan will not hunt humpback whales.â€The country had planned to harpoon around 50 humpbacks on its current expedition, the first time since the 1960s that Tokyo would have hunted the species, which are popular with Australian whale-watchers.
Mr Machimura added: “It’s true that Australia expressed quite a strong opinion to Japan on this.
“As a result, I hope that this will lead to better relations with Australia.â€
i am very glad to hear this
i am very glad to hear this