Japanese Public Opinion on Whaling

U.S.-Japan Network for the Future Cohort III scholar Michael Strausz (Associate Professor of Political Science, Texas Christian University) considers “Whaling in Context:  Why Does the Japanese Public Support Scientific Whaling?” in a recent commentary piece for the Foundation. Dr. Strausz analyzes survey questions about whaling in an Asahi Shimbun Regular Public Opinion Poll included in the Mansfield Foundation’s Asian Opinion Poll Database (AOPD) as well as earlier surveys and assessments.  He concludes that pro-whaling public opinion in Japan may have more to do with the public’s views on science their views on the desirability of whale meat.