The dolphin that can end up being eaten in
Japan is actually the Dalls Porpoise.
Eating of such porpoises have traditionally been limited to certain areas
maybe 2 or 3
in Japan. Porpoises are probably eaten in fishing villages in those areas.
Generally porpoise meat is looked down upon as being not good (taste wise)
and
having a strong gamey(fishy?) smell.
For a long time alot of porpoise meat was being sold in Japan under the
guise of whale meat. I find this peculiar since whale meat is red like beef
whereas porpoise meat is more clear pink and pretty hard to get mixed up. In
any case this practice has come under scrutiny lately with I think some
arrests. Because of this what whale meat is sold now is more clearly
specficied.
One would have a pretty hard time meeting even one Japanese person who has
knowingly tasted porpoise meat.

Shad