Kishu Herazao

Balanced and beautiful

Kishu Herazao are fishing rods made mainly for herabuna, a crucian carp. Three to five bamboo sections about 90 cm long are joined, the tip is shaved into a cone, and the grip is thick like a handle. They are prized for a balanced action and careful decoration. They are made in Hashimoto and Kudoyama in Wakayama.

Twelve steps, one maker

There are twelve main steps: drying the bamboo, assembling the blank, straightening over fire, hollowing, shaving the joints, wrapping silk thread, lacquering, fitting, making the grip, shaving the tip, lacquering the body and finishing. All are done by hand, usually by the same rodmaker alone.

From Osaka to Hashimoto

The techniques were established in Osaka in the 1880s, then took root in Hashimoto, close to where the Koya bamboo used for rods grows. A boom in herabuna fishing from the early Showa period made rod making a lasting local trade, loved by many anglers.