Japan says it's leaving an anti-whaling international organization to resume commercial hunts for the animals for the first time in three decades.
Kim Hyo-sun has more on the move that has caused uproar around the world.
The Japanese government has officially announced it will withdraw from the International Whaling Commission next year to resume commercial whaling.
Japan's Kyodo News Agency reports the decision was made at a Cabinet meeting this week.
"We have sought for resolution so as to resume sustainable commercial whaling for over 30 years. However, there was no concession made from the countries which only focus on whale conservation. Regrettably, we have reached a decision that it is impossible in the IWC to seek the coexistence of states with different views."
Tokyo notified the IWC of its decision on Wednesday,... and under the organization's rules,... Japan's withdrawal is expected to be effective from June 30th, 2019.
While the announcement drew immediate criticism from anti-whaling nations and groups,... Japan stressed it will conduct whaling only in nearby waters including its Economic Exclusive Zone and not go to Antarctica to hunt.
Japan also explained that even after the withdrawal,... it will continue to contribute to preserving maritime resources by conducting whaling within the catch limit of the IWC.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.
