Japans' PM dislikes whale meat

Japans' Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama recently revealed he dislikes whale meat, an unusual confession for the prime minister of a country that defies Western criticism of whaling

Hatoyama revealed his views during a meeting with his visiting Dutch counterpart Jan Peter Balkenende at the prime minister's office. The Netherlands is one of several anti-whaling countries that allows Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to register a vessel in the country. However, despite Hatoyama's reported dislike of whale meat, he urged Balkenende to take action against the group over its attacks on Japanese whalers in the Antarctic.

Tokyo often accuses Western critics of insensitivity toward its culture and heritage. Hatoyama's centre-left government, which took office in October, has deviated little from the pro-whaling policies adopted by the previous administration.