Incensed over Japan's expanded whaling program, Washington has threatened Tokyo with trade sanctions in what the media have largely portrayed as a black and white issue.
But there are divergent opinions on whaling on both sides of the Pacific that are lost in the headlines and sound bites that make the issue out to be a dispute pitting Japan squarely against the United States.
Experts stress that rational debate is needed from both parties to prevent the weakening of the International Whaling Commission -- the international body tasked with conserving the mammal.