In the news lately, because of the presence of Abe in Australia and the reporting of Abe and Mal talking.

I think we'd all agree that there is no need for Japan to be doing what they are by harvesting whales for 'scientific' purposes.

IMHO it is all down to Japanese cultural needs vis a vis 'Face'.

A supremely important basis for Japanese society is 'face'.  They are trapped in their own narrow culture in this respect. 

By challenging the Japanese actions we are bringing this need to 'save face' into the spotlight. There seems to  me no win here.  They must respond by continuing, because we have said they must not.