Yes, the world is watching! Without small actions, we cannot create huge waves. We have moved into an era of protection of animals & wildlife. Whales and dolphins are mammals like us and we understand that they are sentient beings.  Even so Japan has a history of eating cetaceans, but their desire to consume them has decreased greatly over the years. https://www.ft.com/content/d3309c38-9e34-11e9-b8ce-8b459ed04726 . The "Act on Welfare and Management of Animals 1973" sets out methods for government to engage with the public on the matters set out in the legislation, which should assist with bringing animal welfare to public attention in the country. The Act  which was amended in 2012 and 2013 refers in Chapter V Articles 40(1), 41(2) and 41(3) to “pain and distress” of an animal. Article 2 of the Act states “In light of the fact that animals are living beings, no person shall kill, injure, or inflict cruelty on animals without due cause, and every person shall treat animals properly by taking into account their natural habits and giving consideration to the symbiosis between humans and animals.” However, Japan also recently reinstated commercial whaling after a long ban. Why, as it is not sustainable. Whales and Dolphins must be added to the list of animals that are protected both from hunting and the sale of for entertainment, especially as Whale & Dolphin Watching as a sustainable form of income is on the rise and  natural, open marine parks are being established. (Aquariums and marine-mammal theme parks like Kamogawa and Nagoya Sea World must not hold ca[tive cetaceans, they are part of the problem which feeds the hunting industry and in which cruelty is rampant.) (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/03/whale-watching-becomes-increasingly-popular-in-japan0/   In "A Whale of a Tale" , New York-based Japanese film-maker Megumi Sasaki creates a response, an understanding of how cultural traditions run strong. "Perhaps a new tradition of saving dolphins can be started to replace the old one, this way the town and dolphins both win." Already there is an understanding by the Japanese people that cruelty to animals should not be tolerated, that sentient beings should be protected and the eating of such is a modern day construct, which is more politically motivated than a necessity or a desire. Therefore, the Japanese public and the international community hold the key in applying economic pressure and in the government changing their stance and the laws affecting such. A move toward sustainability and away from the hunting, vicious killing for dolphin & whale meat & capture for sale, can be achieved.  Ex: Whale Watching and Sustainable Seaweed Aquaculture. Please view:  https://www.dolphinproject.com/campaigns/save-japan-dolphins/what-are-the-alternatives/​ , https://www.cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/Article/2019/02/06/Microalgae-and-marine-stewardship-Japanese-firm-first-to-earn-joint-seaweed-certification           The people of Taiji hold the key, they are small in number, but vital to the outcome. Japanese citizens and the international community can help sway a change in legislation and push for more sustainable marine practices. The time is now.