As the annual hunt of dolphins in Taiji, Japan commence on September 1, Filipinos join advocates all-over the globe in opposing this cruel activity in a solidarity action in front of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

“Thousands of dolphins are killed in this violent activity and no one can justify this massacre fuelled by greed and the captive animal entertainment industry,” said Trixie Concepcion, Regional Director of the Earth Island Institute Philippines.

“Facilities who continue to use dolphins for entertainment stimulate these hunts and spread mis-education with their continued display of these marine mammals. In fact they never hold discussions about the annual Taiji slaughter,” adds Concepcion, referring to marine parks such as Ocean Adventure here in Subic, Philippines and the Marine Life Park of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). “Captivity continues to endanger their lives. Just take a look at the long list of marine mammal deaths in all these facilities.”

Throughout the years, the campaign against the dolphin hunts has prospered within Japan as well. Awareness has spread amongst the Japanese people propelling them to unite in cause-oriented organizations and in standing-up to protest these killings.

“The Japanese people are rising up against these hunts and dolphin captivity. More than ever, we are inspired to continue in this struggle as we see more and more people from Japan joining the actions right there in Taiji,” said Karl Ramirez, singer-songwriter and Earth Island Institute Philippines’ campaign officer.

Since the hunts started in 1969, other Japanese towns – Iki and Futo, have given up their drive hunts. Recently, the World Association for Zoos and Aquariums have also condemned the hunts.

“We pledge our commitment to continue educating people on compassion for marine mammals as we battle this violent and greedy mindset that perpetuates their mass slaughter,” adds Ramirez. “We encourage you to learn more, watch documentaries about them such as The Cove and Blackfish.”

“We continue to call on the Japanese people to rise up against these violent actions,” end Ramirez.