So why was this lawsuit victory important for the dolphins? This was the first ever lawsuit involved in the Taiji dolphin slaughter to attack the culprits. And it was successful.

Fear of truth is a powerful motivator for Japan, it would seem. But the truth cannot be suppressed forever. The authorities can use their power to prevent O'Barry and other dolphin protectors from entering Japan, but they cannot take away our freedom of expression.

"I, I wish you could swim/Like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim."

Our stories can save or destroy a species. And pictures can make us see our world, as if for the first time.