Japan’s foreign minister Sunday described Australia’s threat of legal action against its controversial whaling activities as "unfortunate" but said he did not believe it would hurt ties. "It’s very unfortunate the Australian side has indicated it will take action in an international court," Katsuya Okada told reporters on the second and final day of a visit to Australia. "Should court action become a reality, then Japan will seek to represent its case to the IWC (International Whaling Commission) supporting the fact that its activities are legal and within the convention."

Japan: Australia whaling threat 'unfortunate'. (2010, February 23). Manila Bulletin, p. B-5.