The Cove Goes Public in Japan!

By Ric O’Barry
Campaign Director
Save Japan Dolphins
Earth Island Institute

We did it. The Cove opened in several theaters in Japan last week! And while we are still under constant attack from extremist whose goal is to shut down theaters, the film actually sold out many showings.

A huge thank you to each one of you who helped us so much! There were countless times over the last year when I feared we’d never see the film open in Japan. It’s your support that made it possible. At almost every turn in this campaign we’ve come up against incredible obstacles, but you all got us through it. Many of you came forward - donating time, money and creative expertise. You shared your thoughts and spread the word. At absolutely every turn people not only did what they were asked, they went above and beyond.

We still have a lot to do, but together we have reached a major milestone, and I can’t thank you enough for getting us there.

My friend and a great friend of the dolphins, Louie Psihoyos, Director of The Cove, had this to say:

“Only in my wildest dreams did I believe The Cove would be screened in Japan. And I certainly never thought it would spark a nationwide debate over free speech.

“Now, the film is selling out theaters there and nearly everyone seems to know about it. I'm hopeful that once people in Japan see the movie they will understand that it is not just about saving dolphins but also humans, because all dolphin meat is toxic from what we humans are dumping into the oceans. This is not just a Japanese problem, but a worldwide problem. The bigger issue is that we are poisoning the oceans not only for the wild, but for ourselves and future generations.

“The biggest benefit of “The Cove” may be that it opened up doors for other points of view that could not be heard up until now. In that way, the film is already a great success. And for that, I can’t thank you enough. Every one of you has helped to make my dreams come true.”

My thanks go to Louie and the entire Cove Team who worked so hard for so long to get this film made and out to the public!

Read more about The Cove opening here, further proof that we are at last breaking through the blackout maintained by the news media for so many years in Japan.