Commercial whaling began in the 1800s and almost drove whales to extinction.
In 1986, the IWC members agreed to stop whaling until numbers recovered.
During this time there were some exceptions like for some indigenous groups,
and allowing whaling for scientific purposes.
Since 1987, Japan has killed between 200 and 1,200 whales each year, saying this was to monitor stocks to establish sustainable quotas. The Japanese fishing ministry says it will allow the hunting of three species: Minke, Bryde's and Sei whales.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Minke and Bryde's whale are not endangered. Sei whales are classified as endangered but their numbers are increasing.
Conservation groups say starting commercial whaling again is a step backwards. Greenpeace says whales are a vital part of making the ocean work properly.
It says whales already face many other threats and commercial whaling could endanger them even more.
There is a fear from some conservation groups that other pro-whaling countries like Russia might follow Japan's example and start commercial whaling again.
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