Why is Japan killing whales?

Japan has resumed commercial whaling in its waters despite global outrage.

Whales were hunted to the brink of extinction until 1986, when a group of countries agreed to temporarily stop whaling for profit.

It turned into a semi-international ban.

But Conservationists are now worried the species might be facing a similar threat.

Many countries continue to hunt whales for 'scientific' purposes.

And Japan, which is one of the leading commercial whalers - has now resumed the practice in its waters.

But is it commercially sustainable?

And why is whaling so important for Japan?