International outrage came pouring after Japan announced about its plan to continue with its annual Northwest Pacific whaling campaign in 2014 but in a toned down manner.

Environmentalists are especially quite angry to know about Japan's decision even when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has last month ruled out to stop its annual hunts in the Antarctic.

Japan's scientific whaling program did suffer a big blow due to the ICJ's ruling. The nation decided to continue with the Pacific hunt as it was not specifically mentioned in the ruling. Moreover, the hunt is not known much at international level but then also in the 2012-13 campaign, the hunt took three times as many whales as in the Antarctic hunt.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, cleared the ruling supports the 'the sustainable use of whales as a resource'. "Based on this and in line with international law and scientific principles, our nation will carry out research whaling to get the scientific information essential to manage whales as a resource", said Hayashi.

After the ruling came out, Japan said it hopes for the eventual resumption of commercial whaling. To which, Hayashi said the feeling remains unchanged. They continue to be associated with a plan that aims to have continuation of commercial whaling.

Along with this statement, Hayashi said Japan has made enough arrangements to comply with the ICJ ruling. The ministry said the percentage for the Pacific hunt would be reduced keeping the ICJ ruling in mind.

In 2015, the minister will submit a new plan for Antarctic whaling to the International Whaling Commission. They will also consider measures to be taken against anti-whaling activities.