Ep. 28: Mr. Watt threatens sanctions while Kakumaru defends whaling at a bunraku performance

28

Mr. Watt tells Jeff that whaling is unimportant but useful for painting Japan as barbaric to raise environmental funds, threatening US sanctions to ban it. Yamaoka and Kurita interview journalist Matsukawa, who sets up a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kakumaru. The minister dismisses them, prioritizing trade over whaling. Later, Kaibara meets Kakumaru at the Gourmet Club, leading to an invitation to a bunraku performance with Mr. Watt. During the reception, a puppeteer notes the wires are made of whalebone. Mr. Watt angrily declares whales more important than art. Kakumaru counters that whalebone could be imported from the US, which also hunts whales. After a heated argument, Mr. Watt leaves, while Kakumaru reaffirms his support for continued whaling.