There are hundreds of distressing images of Taiji that are being circulated worldwide in a growing wave of anti Japanese feeling.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe showed himself up trying to hide the operation in Taiji behind a "whaling tradition." Taiji is nothing more than a kidnapping operation to supply aquarium operators across the world with live dolphins, and only started in 1969.

Foot-binding was once a tradition in China. Female genital mutilation is a tradition in parts of Africa, but tradition does not make it right or morally acceptable.

Am I anti Japanese? Far from it, I once loved Japan dearly. My proudest time in life was when I studied Aikido under one of Japan's greatest masters. He taught me much about Japan. I also practiced Soto Zen under Taisen Deshimaru, a wonderful man with the ears of the Buddha.

It is only after many years that Japan is being forgiven for the atrocities it committed in the last war. Now because of the atrocities of a few greedy individuals against intelligent marine creatures, this anti-Japanese sentiment is growing at a tsunami's pace.

I am not anti-Japanese, but I would not buy Japanese cars/goods. Nor would I visit the 2020 Olympics. It's time for the majority of the Japanese people who find Taiji's activities unacceptable to stand up and reverse Japan's loss of face with the worldwide community.

stuart appleby
rossendale, united kingdom

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.