Okada urges understanding for Taiji

Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada on Friday called for people to respect other countries' cultures and habits after environmental conservation groups criticized the annual dolphin slaughters in Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture.

Dolphin hunting in the town was thrust into the international spotlight after the U.S. documentary "The Cove," which highlighted the issue, was screened in the United States, Australia and other countries, including, after a delay, Japan.

"Various things can be edible depending on each country . . . I would like (people) to understand that culture is diverse," Okada said at a news conference.

Although the foreign minister admitted he has not seen the film himself, he nonetheless suggested there were parts of it that are untrue.

"The Cove" is among films to be shown during the 22nd Tokyo International Film Festival, which kicked off Saturday.