ABSTRACT
Whaling in Japan suffers from entrenched positions on the part of a leadership, resigned to permanent disagreement, as well as ‘activist impotence’ as manifested the failure to create dialogue or change policy. However, former Australian Prime Minister Turnbull cites this as a difference of opinion rather than culture. Nevertheless, an impasse exists; a circuit breaker is required. Hence, the purpose of this chapter is to propose an imaginative tourism-focused strategy for Taiji, Wakayama prefecture, where events are created voicing narratives of tradition and sustainable futures based on a unique and sustainable past. Awareness through interpretive display, restored heritage, living museum, festivals and ceremony turn negative perceptions into positive. A current cultural deficit can be developed into a tourism asset, as Japan reclaims respect and unique industrial heritage. Transition from whaling to whale tourism has precedents (Australia and US). Japan has its own remarkable place (Taiji), objects (Sekobune), practice (net whaling/drive hunting) and food culture (UNESCO classification) to present.
