Shimane Prefecture revised its “Shimane Prefecture Ocean Surface Fishing Adjustment Regulations” on May 16 of 1952, after Japan regained its sovereignty through the entering into force of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. The amendment classified sea lion hunting as an operation requiring gubernatorial authorization. Shimane Prefecture issued a petition to the Japanese Foreign Minister as well as the Agricultural and Forestry Minister stating that, “Shimane Prefecture would like Takeshima, which is governed by the Oki Branch Office, to be declassified as a bombing range for [United States] forces stationed in Japan.” (Ref.1)

Afterwards, Takeshima was declassified as a bombing range and Shimane Prefecture issued three licenses to three prospective sea lion hunters (Hashioka Tadashige, Yawata Kazuma, and Ikeda Kuniyuki) on June 10 of 1953. These licenses were effective from June 1 of 1953 until December 31 of 1955. (Ref.2)

Ref. 1: Shimane Prefecture Document File “Correspondence with Ministries and other governmental organizations, 1851”

Ref. 2: “Public Announcement” Shimane Prefecture (Fishing Rights License Number: Marine No. 2456)