Japan has bought whale meat from Iceland, the first time in 17 years it has imported the meat, a news report said Saturday.

The shipment passed through Japanese customs and was already on the market, Kyodo News agency said, quoting unidentified trade ministry officials. Officials refused to give further details, including how much and what kind of whale meat was involved, Kyodo said.

Japanese fisheries and trade officials were not available for comment Saturday.

Japan last imported whale meat in 1991. Commercial whaling was banned in 1986 under the International Whaling Commission.

Pro-whaling countries, including Japan, Iceland and Norway, say the commercial hunt should be allowed to resume for non-endangered species such as minke whales.