Trendy food haven, the Ebisu district, is hosting the third year of the much-anticipated Ebisu Kujira Festival until the 18th of October. Featuring popular cuisines from around the world, this year's festival will eespecially focus on promoting the delights of whale meat dishes among foreign visitors.
In Channel NewsAsia, Ebisu's Tatewaki diner manager Kenta Zenisaka describes whale meat as excellent red meat that is perfect for other countries' more heavily seasoned menus although not always suited for particular Japanese dishes because of its fat content.
More than a festival, however, this year's event is a campaign to dispel international dislike over whale hunting and consumption. Event committee head, Takasi Furui, relayed at the festival opening press conference that they hope to encourage an understanding among tourists of the gratifying gastronomic experience the Japanese enjoy with whale meat.
According to The Guardian, Japan had been using whale hunting for scientific data gathering to circumvent the international ban on hunting this animal. Most of these whales eventually end up in cooking pots.
In the olden days, Japan consumed whale meat as an answer to poor food sources. Love for this meat continued, however, even after the Japanese people gained access to previously unaffordable sources of meat and protein. To date, Japan continues to negotiate a change in perspective toward the ban against whale hunting and the dislike for whale meat use.
Around 28 restaurants have committed to support the Ebisu Kujira Festival's whale meat campaign. Even the Japan Whaling Association gave the event their nod of approval.
Although many visitors profess reluctance from, even dislike of, participating in whale meat consumption, The Japan News reported that the organising committee's online survey in April until June of this year indicated that 63% of 200 foreigners planning a trip to Japan are willing to give whale meat a try. Even Muslim visitors may enjoy the treat with restaurants as Tokuya in Osaka using Halal-certified meat beginning September of this year.
Whale dishes are among the favourites in the Kasumigaseki district, which is populated by many Japanese government offices and agencies.
