JAPAN: Japan Still Holding a Grudge, Taiji Still Hunting Dolphins

AMANDA KRETSCH WRITES – It’s been seven years since the release of “The Cove” but Japan evidently is still smarting. Former dolphin trainer and star of the brutal 2009 documentary, Ric O’Barry, arrived in Tokyo as a tourist last month and was immediately detained by officials.

This isn’t the first time O’Barry has been held, but it is the first time he’s been denied entry to the country. After O’Barry refused deportation, the Japanese government made plans to issue an arrest warrant and is holding him in solitary near Narita International Airport, according to his lawyer.

When “The Cove” was released in 2009, it showed viewers close-up the grim, annual dolphin hunt held in the waters off of the village of Taiji. The film drew global criticism of the Japanese practice and has proved a lingering embarrassment to the country.

Coverage of O’Barry’s detention suggests that national publications, though ostensibly objective, stand with the government on this one.

O’Barry’s lawyer confirmed that the dolphin defender had previously lied to Japanese officials about entering the country to attend an activist event. As expected, the government resented his dishonesty and the damaging light he continues to shine on the nation. A statement in the Japan Times says Taiji locals have participated in the annual event for years and do not plan on stopping.

Should he have lied earlier about why he was visiting? Probably not. But O’Barry’s sins pale in comparison to the dolphin slaughter. And by siding with the state, Japanese media are complicit.

3 Replies to “JAPAN: Japan Still Holding a Grudge, Taiji Still Hunting Dolphins”

  1. IF you want to stop the slaughter of 25,000 dolphins a year, (yes per YEAR!) in Japan, you CAN by appealing directly to the Japanese people. Just 10 minutes a day. PLEASE we need your help https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolphin.angel/ to make a difference. Each individual CAN do something to reach the Japanese people who are the only people to have a chance to change their governments mind! I just joined 2 month ago and already have 2700+ followers and that will grow exponentially to millions of Japanese citizens IF you join us. We need to get the word out! 2) Pls sign, comment AND share this new groundbreaking campaign targeting Subaru USA. This is the beginning of a concerted action. If Japanese gov and taiji fishermen do not stop this, then we will pressure ONE Jpn corp after another until they speak out: https://www.change.org/p/subaru-speak-out-against-dolphin-slaughter-in-taiji-japan

    PLEASE do it for those that have no voice. WE collectively ARE their only chance. Thank you.

  2. 25,000 dolphins a year, (yes per YEAR!) are brutally and inhumanely butchered in front of their family members in Japan with the survivors placed in dolphin shows around the world. Please search FB for a group called “dolphin angels” who appeal directly to Japanese. We need to get the word out!
    PLEASE do it for those that have no voice. WE collectively ARE their only chance. Thank you.

  3. Japan is slaughtering 25,000 dolphins a YEAR in brutal and inhumane manner that isnt even allowed in their slaughterhouses for chickens? A metal spear is inserted in their spines and their wounds plugged with cork to stop them bleeding out into the water. They take 15-20 minutes to die. All this in front of their family members. The survivors are sold to dolphin shows around the world for $150,000 Dolphin shows finance this butchery. Please dont go to them!

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