One year after the resumption of commercial whaling, the consumption of the younger generation is a challenge.
It has been one year since July 1st since Japan withdrew from the IWC = International Whaling Commission and resumed commercial whaling in 31 years. The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto said that while fresh whale meat that was not frozen was well received by consumers, it was recognized that consumption by the unfamiliar younger generation was an issue.
Japan withdrew from the IWC on June 30, and resumed commercial whaling, which had been suspended since 1988, for the first time in 31 years.
Commercial whaling was carried out according to the catch quota set by the Fisheries Agency, and 256 caps were caught last year, but the amount of meat was about 1500 tons, 40% compared to the previous year when research whaling was conducted. It is getting less.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto said in a press conference on the 30th, "Japan is conducting commercial whaling while providing information to the IWC so that it will not affect whale resources. I think it has been done."
On top of that, Minister Eto said that he could eat fresh, non-frozen whale meat, which was well received by consumers, but he said, "Eating is centered on the older generation who is familiar with school lunches and is young. It is far from people. It is important to devise new products and devise ways to disseminate them." He said he wanted to increase the consumption of the younger generation, including using them for school lunches.