Japan, which undertakes limited whaling for research purposes, uses the rods to kill whales that survive harpoons tipped with explosive grenades, the main weapon used to catch and kill whales. The staunchest antiwhaling nations, such as New Zealand, have criticized use of the rods as cruel, saying it causes the whale pain.
Japan counters that electric rods are used to hasten the whale's death.
The IWC has urged its members to promote humane killing methods based on efficiency, usually measured by the time it takes to kill a whale. Following Norway's example, Japan started experiments last year in the use of rifles. Based on the results, it has decided to switch to using rifles instead of electric harpoons as often as possible. However, Japanese officials say the country will not completely stop the use of the rods but will opt for either method depending on circumstances. Japanese Fisheries Agency officials said stringent domestic laws for firearm control have discouraged the import and use of rifles.