Fishery Development around the Senkaku Islands Prior to Their Incorporation into Japanese Territory in 1895

This study also builds on the research of Sasaki and Kuniyoshi that elucidated the actual situation of the fishing industry around the Senkaku Islands immediately after the Second World War,2) and shares the aim of clarifying the historical position of the Senkaku Islands in that period of changing international circumstances around Japan. [...] The Survey of the Daitō Islands, thought to have been compiled by the Okinawa Prefectural Office during the Meiji period, includes a draft directive to place the Senkaku Islands (Agun Kuba Sima) under the jurisdiction of Yaeyama Islands Office, even in the absence of any formal decision to incorporate the islands to Okinawa Prefecture by the Meiji government.8) Speaking of this draft directive, St. [...] We have no particular objection on this matter and, as requested by the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, the erection of markers and the incorporation of the islands into the jurisdiction of the Prefecture should be permitted.” We should note that the decision refers to fishery development as a reason for the construction of a marker. [...] Initially, the transportation of goods between the Senkaku Islands and Ishigaki Island used small fishery boats, but as the number of people involved in the development increased and the volume of products from the islands increased, a frequent problem became inconveniences associated with the storage of provisions and the transportation of products. [...] Moreover, the “Explanatory Notes” of the same document states that the information was “Based on the survey of December 31, 1893 (Meiji 26), the population data is that of the survey of December 31, Meiji 25.” However, the material’s date of 10 The Japan Institute of International Affairs / Resource Library Fishery Development around the Senkaku Islands Prior to Their Incorporation into Japanese T.