In 1905 the Takeshima Hunting and Fishing Limited Partnership Company began its operations; the company’s annual sea lion catch figures are still on record. In 1905, the company incurred losses of 2996.579 yen, and income of 753.185 yen, which left the company with an outstanding debt of 2243.394 yen. The resources on Takeshima had been depleted due to over hunting by various other operators, resulting in generally poor business performance. The company’s fate depended heavily on securing a sales avenue for its products. (Ref.1)

The trend for the number of sea lions that the company killed in 1905 is indicated in a graph which spans from the beginning of the company’s hunt on June 10 until its end on September 8. These graphs indicate the number of males, females and pups captured by the company. The total catch for the year was 1003, of which 534 head were males, 339 females, and 130 pups. (Ref. 2)

Other records indicate that the company’s figures also suffered in 1906. (Ref. 3)

Ref. 1: “Business Results of Takeshima Sea Lion Hunting (October 30, 1905) Takeshima (Shimane Prefecture Public Records Center)

Ref. 2: “Takeshima Ashika Gyoryo Seisekizu Meiji 38” (Chart Indicating Business Results of Takeshima Sea Lion Hunting, 1905) Takeshima (Shimane Prefecture Public Records Center)

Ref. 3: “Meiji 39 Nendo Gyomu Shikko Tenmatsu” (Total Business Operations for FY1906) , Takeshima Kashisage Ashika Gyogyo Shorui (Documents concerning the Lease of Takeshima and Sea Lion Hunting) (Shimane Prefecture Public Records Center)