InsideJapan News Network

Residents of the Japanese fishing village of Taiji have all been given a copy of a 2010 Oscar-winning film.

The Cove depicts the slaughter of dolphins in the region and was given out by the film's director Louie Psihoyos with the help of People Concerned for the Ocean, reported AP.

"The people in Taiji deserve to know what millions of others around the world have learned about their town," said the American director.

Despite receiving a Best Documentary Oscar last year, the movie has drawn little attention within Japan despite it showing a detailed account of Taiji's dolphin-hunting tradition which is regarded by a number of animal rights groups as particularly harsh and unnecessary.

Each year, the Japanese government sanctions the capture of around 20,000 dolphins per year, although they tend to be sold to aquariums rather than hunted for their meat.

Written by Susan Ballion
 


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