TOKYO -- A bill promoting Japan's research whaling program moved closer to enactment this week, potentially giving the government new tools to fend off conservationists and increase the consumption of whale meat.
A committee in the upper house of the Diet, or parliament, approved the bill unanimously. The legislation, which could be passed during the current parliamentary session, stipulates diplomatic actions that may be taken against foreign nationals who sabotage or harass whaling vessels. It also spells out immigration controls for dealing with individuals who are likely to commit such acts in Japan.
