In this paper, the population structure of Trichiurus japonicus in East China Sea was analyzed based on the data of its age composition and anus length in 2002-2004, and the rational utilization of T. japonicus resources in the Sea was approached by using the catch (in mass) per recruit theory of Beverton-Holt model. The results revealed that: (1) there was a miniaturization trend of the T. japonicus population in East China Sea. The range of age composition changed from 0-6 year in the late 1950's to 0-4 year in the early 21st century, and the population was dominated by the group of 0-1 year now. The percentage of 2-year old T. japonicus decreased from 12.84% in the late 1950s' to 6.91% in the early 21st century, and that of 3-year old T. japonicus decreased from 4.92% in the late 1950s' to 0.57% in the early 21st century; (2) the exploitation rate of T. japonicus in the period of 2000-2003 was 0.864, which was beyond of the optimum exploitation rate of 0.51, suggesting that the T. japonicus in East China Sea was under over-fishing; and (3) to enhance the age value at first capture (t(c)) was the best measure of increasing the catch (in mass) per recruit of T. japonicus. The age at recruitment (t(r)) and the t(c) of T. japonicus in East China Sea was 0. 25 and 0.5 at present, respectively. If the t(c) changed from 0.5 to 1, the unit catch would be increased by 55.38%, and if the t(c) changed to 1.5, 2 or 2.75, it would be increased by 100.81%, 130.52% or 145.23%, respectively. It was suggested that due to the difficulties in greatly reducing catching intensity, it could be available to properly increase the to value while decrease the catching intensity to protect the T. japonicus resources in East China Sea and realize their sustainable use.