Temporary police box in the whale town after resuming commercial whaling Wakayama Taijicho August 7 19:33
From next month, a temporary police box was set up in Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture, known as the town of whales, before fishing to catch small whales began. We are wary of the protests becoming more active as commercial whaling resumes
In Taiji-cho, hunting fishing is carried out every year from September 1st to catch small whales and dolphins into the bay.
On the 7th, a temporary police box was set up right next to the bay where fishing took place, and an opening ceremony was held.
After the ceremony, five investigation vehicles including police cars departed for patrol in the town.
The catch-up fishing is carried out with the permission of the prefectural governor, but every year, groups that oppose whaling are protesting, and in November last year, the net of the living was cut by someone and the police We are investigating on the suspicion of damage.
Last month, the police have been wary of protesting activity as commercial whaling has been resumed for the first time in 31 years.
In this temporary police box, seven police officers will take turns to guard until the end of the catch-up fishing until around March next year.
Mr. Yoshito Sakabe, General Manager of the Wakayama Prefectural Police Headquarters who participated in the opening ceremony, said, "We want to protect the safety and security of Taiji based on this temporary police box."