Three Japanese whaling ships have returned to their home port with 333 minke whales following a hunting trip to Antarctica that attracted international protests and condemnation.
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The Nisshin Maru and two other ships arrived in the city of Shimonoseki on Saturday, bringing with them a massive catch of sea mammals harpooned during the Antarctic journey.
The whales had officially been harpooned and killed for "scientific purposes".
Unlike in previous years, the ships did not report any disruptions from the controversial environmental protection group Sea Shepherd, Japanese media reported.
The International Court of Justice ordered a suspension of Japan's "scientific whaling" in 2014, which led the country to cut its whaling program.
Despite their relatively small size, only growing up to 10 metres in length, minke whales are categorised as great whales.
Japan still aims for the commercial hunting of large whales, which has been banned since 1986, to be permitted once again.
The country's steadfast participation in whale hunts continues to provoke protests worldwide. In its defence, Tokyo points to a waiver in the international convention of the International Whaling Commission, which states that whales may be killed for research purposes.
Australian Associated Press
