Given the Japanese Coast Guard’s decision to “reinforce control over poaching in waters surrounding Takeshima (June 17 of 1953),” the 8th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters Coast Guard Office enacted a campaign to control over poaching around Takeshima between June 22 and 28 of 1953 (Control Campaign No.1). This campaign was conducted in tandem with the Shimane Prefectural Government, utilizing the Japanese Coast Guard patrol ships Oki, Kuzuryu, and Noshiro. The ships departed the Port of Sakaiminato at 4:30PM on June 22 only to pull back to the Oki Islands due to strong winds that greeted their arrival near Takeshima. The Oki and Kuzuryu departed Urago Port in the Oki Islands at 6:00PM on the 26 of June, arriving near Takeshima at 3:00AM on June 27. They waited until daybreak before 13 crew members made landfall on the Eastern Islet of Takeshima. (Ref.1)

The crew discovered six Korean nationals immediately after making landfall. After conducting an investigation, Japanese authorities notified these individuals that Takeshima is Japanese territory and told them to leave after warning them that they had illegally crossed Japan’s border and were fishing illegally. The Koreans did not have a motorized craft at their disposal and promised Japanese authorities that they would leave as soon as their ship came to pick them up. The Koreans were collecting wakame, abalone, and gelidiaceae. The fishermen did not possess a fishing license issued by Korean authorities. Moreover, they were completely unaware of any territorial issue and informed the crew members that Korean fishermen travel to the islets annually to collect wakame – hence that is why they were there. The records of this investigation were compiled into the “Takeshima Survey Report.” (Ref.1)

The on-shore investigators erected a sign instructing readers that only Japanese citizens or foreign persons possessing authorization from the Japanese Government are permitted to within 3NM of the shores of Takeshima. Moreover, anywhere within 500 meters of the coast of Takeshima (including costal islets thereof) is reserved for recipients of Type 1 Common Fishery Rights (seaweed and shellfish) and any unauthorized operation is prohibited. The crew began their return voyage at 8:25AM once their survey was complete. (Ref.1)

A detailed report was mailed from the chief of the Japan 8th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters to the head of the Japan Coast Guard’s Guard and Rescue Department. (Ref.1)

Ref. 1: “8th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters Officially Classified Document No. 200 (July 1, 1953)” (Japan Coast Guard, 8th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters disclosed document)

Related Documents
“‘Mission Report’ on the Joint Survey in Takeshima conducted by Shimane Prefecture and the Maritime Safety Agency (Currently the Japan Coast Guard)” (Shimane Prefectural Government, Takeshima Archives)

Japan Coast Guard Administration Department Political Affairs Section Edition, “Kaijohoancho 30 Nen Shi” (A 30 Year History of the Japan Coast Guard) (Japan Coast Guard Foundation, May of 1979), pp.28-29