Island charity Beach Buddies has protested against the Japanese government’s decision to resume whale hunting next year.

It has written to the Japanese embassy in London and the Japanese Government in Tokyo about the decision.

The letter asks Japan to reconsider its decision and to be reminded of its unique relationship with the Isle of Man through the TT races.

In the letter, Beach Buddies’ founder Bill Dale saidL ’In Japan, many millions of your people will know of the Isle of Man and its unique and very strong friendship with our island through the success of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers at the TT Races, and we feel we share a special relationship with your country and your people.

’However, the decision announced today about commercial whaling has not been welcomed in the Isle of Man and will certainly not be well received around the world, and we expect that millions of motorcycling enthusiasts will also be very shocked and disappointed at your decision.’

The letter adds: ’It would not be a surprise that people in the Isle of Man and around the world will now boycott all products from Japan in the future, which would be very sad considering the long and very happy relationship that the Isle of Man has had with the Japanese nation and people since the 1960s.

’In the Isle of Man, and virtually everywhere else in the world, whales and cetaceans such as basking sharks (which we have in abundance in Manx waters) are regarded as precious and valuable natural assets which attract tourists from around the planet.

’We urge you, and your people, to take advantage of this situation and to change your attitude towards cetaceans and promote them as a unique tourist opportunity which would have enormous commercial value for your country and its people.

’We see no reason why Japan could not bring about an eternal change to this situation for ever, and your commercial whaling fleet could be transformed into a niche tourist opportunity, enabling your people and your country to make an exceptional financial return, hosting high net worth eco-tourists to view your whales living safely in their natural habitat.’

The letter suggests that as a result of today’s decision, Japan, and the Japanese people, will probably find themselves isolated from the rest of the world on the issue of protecting marine life and wildlife, and that the Japanese government should not under-estimate the potential negative economic effects this will bring.

The Beach Buddies’ letter concludes: ’In the Isle of Man we have great respect for your nation and your people through a relationship which has lasted almost 60 years. We hope you will very carefully consider our opinions and look to a future where people and whales can live alongside each other in safety in our oceans in a mutually beneficial way.’

Beach Buddies is sponsored by FIM Capital.