This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On July 1, 2019, Japan resumed commercial whaling after a 31-year hiatus, despite criticism from activists who say the practice is cruel and outdated.
Five vessels set sail from northern Japan's Kushiro with their horns blaring and grey tarps thrown over their harpoons, bringing back two grey minke whales by Monday afternoon.
The hunts come after Japan withdrew from the International Whaling Commission, a move slammed by activists and anti-whaling countries but welcomed by Japanese whaling communities.
"Today is the best day," said Yoshifumi Kai, head of the Japan Small-Type Whaling Association, as the ocean giants were hauled ashore.
Whalers hosed down the whales with water and then lined up to pour ceremonial cups of sake over the animals, a ritual to purify and celebrate the catch.
Japanese officials say the hunts will protect an ancient tradition, while activists accuse Japan of beginning a "new and shocking era of pirate whaling".
