[Umihito]

I very much like your points GoNative.

Also, I'm curious. How is whaling considered cultural heritage? That may seem vague, but it's hard to explain. Like... what part of whaling is cultural? It's not unique to Japan... all it includes are some boats and some big factories... I just don't see what part of it is considered cultural.

I may be looking at the word 'culture' the wrong way, but I just don't see how that's a valid reason, plus the other points you said.

I would have thought whaling was cultural if they were catching them with bamboo spears, nets and via traditional means (not trying to sound racist lol).