Japanese whaling company, Kyodo Senpaku, plans to launch the world’s first whale meat vending machines in Tokyo as a way to boost consumption and reduce stockpiles of whale meat. The company cites declining demand and a large frozen inventory as primary motivations. Two machines will be installed initially, offering three types of whale meat: whale steak, whale bacon, and whale jerky, priced between 1,000 and 3,000 yen (approximately $7.50 to $22).
Kyodo Senpaku is the primary operator of Japan’s commercial whaling program, which resumed in 2019 after decades of being officially prohibited by an international moratorium. Japan withdrew from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to resume commercial whaling in its exclusive economic zone, although it adheres to catch limits.
The company hopes the vending machines will make whale meat more accessible and appealing to younger generations, who may not have a strong connection to the tradition of eating whale. The move comes amidst ongoing criticism from conservation groups who oppose whaling on ethical and ecological grounds, citing concerns about whale populations and the cruelty of the hunt. Kyodo Senpaku plans to expand the vending machine network to other locations if the initial launch is successful.
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