Edo Fishing Rods

Edo fishing rods have always been made from natural culms (stems) of bamboo and were first made in Edo (Tokyo) in the middle of the Edo period (1600-1868). By the end of this era, they had taken on their present-day form and can truly be called works of art. With the sea on their doorstep and some beautiful rivers, too, these rods were a crystallization of research into the needs of those who lived in Edo and loved to fish.

Practical in the extreme, each one is designed to fish a particular kind of fish under particular circumstances. Besides this everyone has their own likes and dislikes which can also be accommodated. Having made a rod to satisfy all these conditions, it is beautifully finished with a coat of natural lacquer. There are 44 people who are employed by the 38 firms sustaining this business.