Is eating giant squids an actual thing in Japan? Aren't they endangered or something?

If you look at the news, Japanese fishing boats aiming for endangered species is one of the controversial problems. To the point other countries have started flying pirate flags and targeting them. Then putting it on TV.

Mastine said:

If you look at the news, Japanese fishing boats aiming for endangered species is one of the controversial problems. To the point other countries have started flying pirate flags and targeting them. Then putting it on TV.

My SI Archives timeline planning actually has Japanese whaling boats used as "live target practice" for SI attack submarine crews. And poachers on their claimed fishing zones get one verbal warning, one warning shot, and then pounded to scrap with naval artillery.

No reader protested this approach, such was the reputation of Japanese fishing ships--I mean, illegal harvesting operations.

CuttySark said:

Is eating giant squids an actual thing in Japan? Aren't they endangered or something?

Giant squid is inedible. The meat is chock full of ammonia. Most likely a Humboldt squid, which is much smaller, but edible. Also known as a Red Devil due to its aggression, and incredibly abundant in the waters it inhabits.