Imazuya Hachiemon, a denizen of the Hamada Domain (present-day western Shimane Prefecture), planned to contribute to the domain’s finances by smuggling lumber and marine goods from ‘Takeshima’ (Utsuryo). The Shogunate discovered the plot in 1836 and Hachiemon was arrested and later executed. The Hamada Domain’s chief retainer, Okada Tanomo, as well as some at the Domain’s Edo premises were also engaged in the venture. (Matsudaira Suonokami Yasuto, the Lord of Hamada Domain, was a leading member of the Shogun’s council of elders) According to Hachiemon’s statement, those at the Domain’s Edo premises believed that he should forgo his planned voyage to Takeshima (Utsuryo) as it was difficult to decide as to whether the island belonged to Japan or not. However, Okada believed that it would be worthwhile for Hachiemon to attempt a voyage to Matsushima (present-day Takeshima). After discussing the voyage with the Okada household, Hachiemon decided to “tell Edo we are traveling to Matsushima (present-day Takeshima) as a pretext for traveling to Takeshima (Utsuryo).” (Ref.1)

The trial record cited information such as that Hachiemon “travelled to Takeshima (Utsuryo) under the pretext of traveling to the nearby island, Matsushima (present-day Takeshima).” (Ref.2)

Ref. 1: Takeshima Tokai Ikken–ki(Records –of the Takeshima Voyage Incident) complete works (University of Tokyo Library System)

Ref. 2: Mushuku Karikomi Ikken, Vol.1 (National Diet Library, shogunate government succession documents)

Related documents
Koji Ruien, Gaiko-bu, Jingu Shicho Edition, 1903, pp.787-788

Kazuo Morisu, Hachiemon to sono jidai: Imazuya Hachiemon no Takeshima Ikken to Kinsei Kaiun (Hachiemon and His Time – Imazuya Hachiemon, Voyages to Takeshima and Modern Maritime Freight) Hamada City Board of Education, 2002