Nestled in a back street in the ancient Tokyo district of Asakusa stands the Yushin restaurant.

True to the three Japanese whaling ships from which it takes its name, Yushin sells just about every edible part of the giant mammals - 551 of which were killed in Japan's annual cull in the Southern Ocean this year.

Owner Koji Shingu says his shop and restaurant probably have the widest selection of whale dishes and meat in Japan.

The 60-year-old former construction industry accountant set up his "antenna shop" with the sanction of Japan's Fisheries Ministry five years ago and wants to take the message to a new generation that whale "can be eaten and tastes good".

The 55-seat restaurant is almost empty when NZPA visits just before midday on a Monday, but Mr Shingu says it is a different story on the weekends.

Most diners, he says, are around 50 years old and part of a generation for whom whale was a staple childhood food.

"For the older generation - over 40-45 - they have a lot of nostalgia about eating whale and come for that reason."

Japan's whaling hit a peak in the immediate post-World War II years when the defeated nation struggled to feed its high population.

It is estimated that in 1947, over 40 per cent of the protein in Japanese diets came from whale meat. In the 1960s, it was still above 20 per cent.

Mr Shingu says that is a fundamental difference between Japan and most Western countries, which were rich enough that they only needed to hunt whales for their oil.

He says he feels angry when Westerners attack Japan over the issue without understanding its history.

"To have a proper discussion we need to understand each other's point of view. If you don't understand our point of view there is no way to solve the problem."

Greenpeace Japan whales project leader Junichi Sato says whaling is not an issue high in the minds of most Japanese, and the majority would not care if it stopped tomorrow.

However, he says, many - like Mr Shingu - feel defensive when they see Japan being criticised by foreigners.

The view is borne out by several Tokyo residents questioned by NZPA. Eight out of 10 thought Japan should either stop or reduce its whaling, but many also held the view that attacks by Western activists and politicians were usually ignorant and unfair.

The view was summed up by 26-year-old Yasuko Imanami.

"On TV foreigners often attack Japan even though they don't understand why Japan eats whales. Westerners used to use whale only for oil, but in Japan we used every part of the whale."