Iceland’s whaling ban plan threatens to leave Japan alone in defending industry

Iceland’s move towards a whaling ban could leave Japan more exposed than ever as it defends an industry critics say relies on public money, political symbolism and a shrinking domestic appetite for whale meat.

The Icelandic government has announced plans to submit a bill early next year to end whaling – a step that would leave Japan and Norway as the world’s only two nations still carrying out commercial hunts.

For environmental campaigners, the move has renewed hopes that Japan will no longer be able to justify the annual killing of up to 412 whales.

Public opinion in Japan has shifted away from support for whaling in recent years, according to surveys. Animal rights groups say negative publicity and a sense of isolation would intensify if Tokyo and Oslo were left standing alone.