http://luna.pos.to/whale/jwa_trad.html
HISTORY OF THE TRADITIONAL DIET: JAPANESE AND THE WHALE
...
“Whale meat was the only meat served in school lunches which began in 1947 and continued until the mid-1950's. After that, pork and chicken began to be served in school lunches and the amount of whale meat decreased. However, until the mid-1970's, whale meat was used more than any other meat. About 15% of the total amount of the Japanese production of whale meat was used for school lunches in 1973.
Several places, especially in the Kyushu and Chugoku regions still adhere to the custom of eating whale meat.
Some people of these regions avoid eating the meat of four-legged animals during the New Year celebrations. They only eat whale meat. Whale dishes are served at weddings, the construction of new houses and launching ceremonies. What would happen to these traditional customs when whaling is banned?”
...