Because I've taken a strong interest in animal testing trials for a long time, I was drawn to the article "Technology aims to replace animal testing" (Jan. 23 issue). Tests of cosmetic products that are conducted without using mice, guinea pigs and rabbits are innovative and worth applauding. As a pet owner, I was particularly pleased by this.

As the article pointed out, laws like those passed by the European Union are indispensable when it comes to preventing cruel animal testing. Thanks to 25 years of persistent experiments by Hurel Corp., new technology bore splendid fruit and many animal's lives were spared as a result. As consumers, we should ask makers of cosmetics whether they are using animals to test their products before we buy. We should make an effort to buy animal testing-free products, even if they are more expensive. I hope to see more of these products in the marketplace in the near future.

I am appalled by the attitudes and statements of the Japanese Fisheries Agency spokesmen and Fisheries Minister Hirotaka Akamatsu. Trying to cover up their whaling by calling it research is an obvious lie to anyone that lives in Japan. I have been to the fish market on many occasions and seen whale meat on sale. If whaling in Japan was really for research, the government should use up every bit of the whale during research. If for some reason all of the meat isn't used, the leftovers should be given to the homeless instead of being sold for profit.

Japan kills about 1,200 whales annually during a short three-month season. Because this number is so high, it is very obvious to me the term "research" is just a cover. I cannot fathom what kind of research requires killing so many of these enormous and docile creatures. Shame on the Japanese government for allowing this to continue, and shame on the Japanese people for not developing a conscience and putting a stop to it.

I am writing to wish the staff of The Japan Times Weekly a happy new year! I have subscribed to the Weekly since December 2008 and I enjoy reading it every week. Usually, I read The Weekly on my daily commute to work, but I don't always get through the entire newspaper over the course of a week. I really enjoy reading The Weekly, but I think I would enjoy reading it even more if it contained more articles related to sports, music and fashion. I think if more of these types of articles were printed, more people would read The Weekly.

Also, I think that Sakamoto Ryoma will be very popular this year. Personally, I am very interested in reading and learning more about Ryoma, including visiting places he may have lived or visited. My son, too, examined Ryoma's history as a part of his homework last December, though he did not know the NHK drama would be broadcast in 2010.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 6, 2010
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