The goal is to identify key the debates in the literature surrounding the answer to this question and will evaluate these arguments against the evidence. Finally, the goal is to weigh in favor of one of the arguments or present my own. 
Question: Why does Japan continue its whaling practices despite major opposition?
Thesis Statement: Japanese whaling persists not merely as a cultural relic but because of its domestic and international political arrangements and interests. 
A Brief Sample Outline:
1. Introduction with simple literature review
2. Cultural/National Identity Argument 
3. Political (Domestic + International) Argument
4. Compare and Contrast Arguments (I think the political argument is more significant) 
5. Conclusion 
Below is the link to the folder with some starting sources and also a more detailed outline. If I find more sources I like, I will add it to the folder. 
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/udhduwyf2owue2zsay28r/AOg2LByj7A0K1UHoxO1u9nw?rlkey=t11qrj5qa9uubu8hzdc620mu5&st=numy8xid&dl=0