Japan has lost a bid to permit secret voting at the International Whaling Commission's annual talks.
The decision has come as a relief for conservationists who feared new members might rally to the pro-whaling nation's side.
Most countries' delegates voted against the procedural move by Japan, with 29-24 the final tally.
Today was the first day of the IWC's annual meeting in Sorrento, near Naples, which will continue until 22 July.
A decision to lift the ban on commercial whaling would require a 3/4 margin in favour in the 57-member Commission.
Tokyo had said it might consider pulling out of the commission if the ban were not overturned. Countries such as Japan, Norway and Iceland argue stocks have recovered enough for the ban to be lifted.
Other countries, including the US and Britain, are opposed to ending the ban. Japan has threatened to set up an alternative international body if the issue is not resolved.
