Well, the Japanese and other pro-whaling nations did manage to win one vote: to pass a resolution stating that the moratorium on commercial whaling was meant to be temporary and is no longer needed. Pro whaling nations had the simple majority required to pass this resolution, but lacked the 75% majority needed to actually end the moratorium on commercial whaling.

According to articles, Japan is hoping to reform the commission and return it to what it sees as the commission's original mandate: regulating sustainable hunting, not only to harvest whale meat, but also to restore fish populations and reduce the pressure whales put on fish stocks.

Japan takes the helm at world whale talks - Yahoo! News

CNN.com - Small nations lead vote to resume commercial whaling - Jun 18, 2006