The hunt is on! Japan’s annual whale hunting expedition is back in action in the waters off Antarctica. They are able to hunt the whales citing ‘Scientific Research’. Although I’m not sure how scientific it is when the whale meat seems to be appearing at restaurants across Japan.

They were slowed down temporarily by both Greenpeace and the group Sea Shepherd. Now Japan’s whaling expeditions are getting back to business. Despite outcries from people around the world, Japan pushes forward with harpoon in hand. Their plan is to take over 900 Antarctic minke whales and 50 fin whales in the hunt.

Nobody is more upset at this than Australia. Their waters are being crossed and hunted in by the Japanese fleet. Well, I suppose that saying they are a little ticked is quite the understatement. Australia is arranging and leading in protests all around the world. The Sydney Morning Herald even has a dedicated Whale Watch page that remains quite active and up to date.

“Whale sashimi is prepared at a Japanese whale meat restaurant named ‘Hogeisen’, meaning whaling ship, in Tokyo January 16, 2008. Among 12 different kinds of dishes, using whales killed in scientific whaling, fried whale meat and sashimi priced at 1360 yen (about $12) are most popular, the restaurant says.”

Sources tell me that if you have it prepared right and chew on it slowly, you can actually taste the whales soul.

At this time, the only whale hunt that I endorse is Fry’s continuing hunt for Lelu in the Futurama Movie, ‘ Bender’s Big Score.’ That whale means so much to Fry. At least she’s happy out there… provided the Japanese Fleet doesn’t find her.