I guess, but Germany doesn't have a UN collar around its neck like Japan does (I wonder why, actually). There are very few things Japan is able to say no to with regards to the US and the UN, which might be why they've been so inexplicably stubborn and strangely nationalistic about whale hunting. I mean seriously, does anyone like whale meat? They serve it in school cafeterias and try to subdue the weird taste with ketchup.
In short, they'll be slow to issue apology for the same reasons, as I see it.