Taiji Whale Museum

The only museum in the world dedicated to whale fishing

By Masato Kitamura

Community writer

A traditional Japanese‐style whale boat and the North Pacific right whale measuring about 15 meters in length

A Japanese‐style boat before the Edo period

Taiji-cho lies on the Kii Peninsula, the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture. This area is the southernmost point of Honshu, where the Kuroshio Current (north-flowing ocean current) is observed. Many tuna fish can be found here throughout the year, and Taiji-cho is also known as the birthplace of whale fishing in Japan. The Taiji Whale Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to whale ecology and fishing. There are also some interesting shows involving whales and dolphins.

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Masato Kitamura

Community writer

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Elena Lisina 4 years ago

After reading the comments I think I won't like to visit that place...

Deb Chute 6 years ago

The latest heartbreaking situation was on full display on February 25, 2018. Hamata, a white Risso's dolphin was observed repeatedly and deliberately ramming his head against the concrete wall of his tank resulting in a large gash on his head. the stress that this animal is under is unbelievable. His tank is also absolutely filthy. Shame on the Taiji "Whale Museum" for taking such horrible care of their captive cetaceans. They should all be set free, simply a disgrace.

Deb Chute 7 years ago

This "Museum" is a disgrace. There is a reason it is the only museum in the world dedicated to "whale fishing"...whales are not fish, they are highly intelligent marine MAMMALS with complex social and family relationships. The way you treat the animals in your care is a disgrace, only to be outdone by the annual slaughter that takes place in the nearby COVE. The brutality of your senseless hunt of these creatures and the brutal manner in which they are slaughtered, swimming in the blood of their relatives as they await their own fate shows a lack of humanity that is unrivaled. This is Japan's SHAME and it is unforgivable. I only hope that you all meet as cruel an end as you inflict on this innocent animals. They do NOT carry a Japanese "passport" as they migrate past your island, these are the earth's creatures and shame on YOU for murdering them and imprisoning them for profit. SHAME ON JAPAN!!!

Penny Ward 7 years ago

I've seen what you're doing to Angel the Dolphin and others at your 'museum' and am thoroughly disgusted and furious. Clearly none of you have any regard for the intelligentvand sensitive creatures you have imprisoned. How dare you put dolphins chlorinated water! What is wrong with you people? Are you insane or just stupid and thoughtless? These are creatures that should never have been captured and imprisoned in the first place. Your treatment of them is a shame on your country. But as you still see nothing wrong with illegal whaling I could hardly expect anything less.

Sarah Wollerton 7 years ago

I honestly thought you were an country of high intelligence. However when I see what you are doing to many species of dolphins and whales I am dumb founded. Your exhibition of these animals is cruel and the slaughter of dolphins is unforgivable. Your greed for money from these animals needs to stop. Please please stop!

11 comments in total