Japan's whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean had a "record low" catch this year.
Agriculture Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi said the hunt netted just 103 Antarctic minke whales, less than half its tally last year.
He said it was the lowest total since research whaling began in 1987.
The fleet, which was again harassed by the Sea Shepherd group, is due to arrive back in Japan over the next few days.