Oya Jinkichi, a seafaring merchant of Yonago, drifted to Utsuryo Island (referred to as ”Takeshima” at the time) on his way back from Echigo (Niigata Prefecture). Afterwards, the houses of Oya and Murakawa, under the permission of the Shogunate, alternated voyaging to “Takeshima” (Utsuryo), hoisting the flag of the Tokugawa Shogunate. At “Takeshima” (Utsuryo), these vessels would hunt sea lions and fish for abalone. Representatives from each household would travel to Edo and have an audience with the Shogun, presenting the Shogun’s household and his cabinet officials with abalone from their catch. (Ref.1)
Today’s Takeshima was referred to as Matsushima at the time. Matsushima was used as an anchorage and fishery during this time given the fact that it was on the route to Utsuryo Island which was referred to as “Takeshima” at that time.

Ref.1: Takeshima Tokai Yurai-ki Nukigaki (Excerpts from records of voyages to “Takeshima”) – Tottori Prefectural Museum: “The Okajima Family Documents” (available on the Shimane Prefectural Government Web Takeshima Issue Research homepage)

Related Documents
Oya-Ke Yuisho Jikki (Oya Family Annals) Vol. 1
Local collection – Murakawa Ke Tsuketari Takeshima Tokai (The Murakawa Family’s Voyages to Takeshima)