Ep. 27: Cultural clash emerges as staff and activists debate Japanese whaling traditions and sustainability.

27

News reports on protests against Japanese whaling inspire deputy director Tomii to crave whale meat, leading the Culture Department staff to a Shibuya restaurant. There, they encounter Kyogoku and Kaibara, but the meal is interrupted by protesters, including Jeff Larson. Kaibara angrily leaves, criticizing Japan's failure to protect its traditions. Later, Kurita and Yamaoka take Jeff to Kyogoku’s estate in Osaka, where he is served sashimi. Jeff praises the flavor but condemns the practice as barbaric upon learning it is whale. Kyogoku defends it as cultural heritage, while Yamaoka argues that killing whales is no different from other animals and cites IWC data showing growing populations. Jeff mentions an upcoming visit by Watt, an anti-whaling vice president, before arriving agitated at work the next day.