Japan is one of the worst exploiters of nature: whaling and commercial exploitation. Doesn't this contradict Eastern thought?

The protection of the family and the state as the national family are strong beliefs in the Japanese tradition. Business as a means of preserving and protecting the family is acceptable, and industry, including whaling, has grown out of this type of tradition. You are correct in observing that this conflicts with other values--such as the protection of nature. When values conflict, perhaps we get a picture of which value is stronger within a tradition.