The Maritime Self-Defense Force purchased the LST-542 class tank landing ship USS Hamilton County, which was retired from the U.S. Navy, and after making certain modifications, she has been operating as a mine sweeper tender JDS Hayatomo since June 1960.

In terms of design, JDS Sōya has much in common built in the same year's plan, except this ship has two deck layers.

However, the use of high-strength steel has been partially stopped, and the ship price has been reduced by using general marine products for the accessories.

It also had limited anti-submarine capability due to the SQS-11A medium-frequency sonar and the 68-type triple short torpedo launcher.

A workshop, forging room, electrical maintenance room, and accessory warehouse are set up inside the ship to repair parts of the main engine of the minesweeper and the minesweeper generator, and to adjust the radar and mine detector.

Due to aging and obsolescence of equipment and Uraga-class mine countermeasure vessel began construction and service.