EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) rods are jointed rods made from natural bamboo, and their production began in Edo (present-day Tokyo) during the mid-Edo period. By the late Edo period, they had reached a level that could be called fine art and craft, and EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) of today were perfected.
EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) are the culmination of research that met the demands of the people living in Edo, who were blessed with the seas and clean rivers of Edo and possessed a playful spirit.

• Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques

  1. Drying should be done by natural drying.

  2. Heat the wood and straighten it using a straightening tool.

  3. The joints shall be made using either a "parallel joint" or a "ferrule joint." In this case, the "end joint" shall be made by wrapping it with silk thread, then repeatedly applying refined lacquer and sanding it with water.

  4. The tip of the rod should be made of a "Hotei tip," a "shaved tip," or a "jointed tip."

  5. The finishing touch is to wipe the surface with refined lacquer.

   

  raw materials

  1. The bamboo used shall be of the following species: *Phyllostachys bambusoides*, *Phyllostachys japonica*, *Phyllostachys spp.*, *Phyllostachys daimyōensis*, or *Phyllostachys bambusoides*, or a material of equivalent quality.

  ２ 漆は、天然漆とすること。

• Work scene

  Work scene

  From cutting the bamboo to the lacquering process, the rod maker handles every step themselves. The Japanese fishing rods produced through this meticulous handiwork are not only functional and practical, but also possess the exquisite beauty of a true work of art.

  Step 1: Bleaching

  The bamboo used as material comes from more than 10 varieties, including Yadake, Hoteichiku, Hachiku, Koyachiku, Marubushi, and Madake. The raw bamboo harvested from the bamboo groves is peeled, the oil is removed, and then it is dried in the sun for about three months.

  

  Step 2: Cutting and assembly

  A rod maker considers what kind of rod to make based on the type of fish and fishing method. They decide on the type of bamboo, the total length, the number of joints, the collapsed dimensions, and the action, and then select, cut, and assemble the bamboo for each joint. "Cutting and assembling" is a fundamental process that determines the basic shape of the rod, and it is a stage that requires skilled techniques.

  

  Step 3: Heat treatment - Pre-shaping -

  The cut bamboo is then heated. The oil that seeps out of the bamboo is wiped away with a cloth, and it is cooked thoroughly until the surface turns a golden brown color, and then the curves are straightened with a straightening tool. Bamboo has the property of becoming stronger when heated, and the "straightening" process is the most effective way to bring out this property.

  

  Step 4: Winding and winding the thread

  "Underwinding" is the process of preparing the surface for winding the thread by scraping or sanding the end of the bamboo, the part where the bamboo is inserted, and the surface of the nodes. Lacquer is applied to the end of the bamboo. Once this is done, the silk thread held in the right hand is wound up to the end of the bamboo while rotating the bamboo with the left hand. Next is the "tightening" process, which smooths out any unevenness in the winding and prevents the thread from fraying. After applying animal glue, the tightening piece is held in the right hand, the bamboo pole is placed on the knee, and the bamboo is rotated with the left hand while pressing down from above to tighten it. Then, a base coat of lacquer is applied to the end of the bamboo where the thread has been wound.

  

  Step 5: Jointing

  There are two main methods for joining bamboo rods: the "parallel joint" and the "inro joint." In the case of an inro joint, a core (inro core) is required, so a piece of bamboo matching the diameter of the joint opening is inserted into the joint and the rod is joined. In the case of a parallel joint, the process of preparing the base for each joint, called "komi-suri," is done using a small knife. The inside of the bamboo at the joint opening is scooped out, but since the condition of the inside is not visible, this is a situation where feel and experience are important. It is required that the joint opening and the jointed part fit together perfectly. If the joint is poorly made, it will make a noise when the rod is swung, which is called "gata" and is considered a disgrace for a rod maker.

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  Step 6: Undercoat

  The detailed work that is completed before the entire rod is coated with lacquer is collectively called "undercoating." This includes "plugging" the hole at the butt of the rod and "attaching a spout" to the tip of the rod.

  

  Process 7: Inner straightening

  The straightening process is performed after each section, and after joining the sections, the entire rod is straightened and adjusted.

  

  Step 8: Lacquering

  The lacquer is filtered through Japanese paper to remove impurities. The room is kept clean to prevent dust from being stirred up, and the lacquer is applied and colored to the spout, joint, and faucet. This process is where each craftsman's individuality and aesthetic sense come into play.

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  Step 9: Wipe-on lacquer

  The process involves applying lacquer to the fingers, rotating the rod to spread it evenly, wiping it with a cloth (although some methods leave it as is), and then drying it in a drying room—this procedure is repeated several times. This unconventional idea of using the palm of the hand as a brush or paintbrush is a major characteristic found only in EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods).

  

  工程10： 仕上げ

  After the lacquering is complete, the rod undergoes fine-tuning. After thorough inspections such as "rubbing in," "lifting and straightening," and "cleaning out the recessed areas," a process called "oiling in" is performed, where kneaded oil is applied to the joints of each section and wiped off. For sea fishing rods, guides and reel seats are attached with silk thread, and then the rod is finished with lacquer. After wiping the entire rod with a soft cloth, EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) is complete.

  

   

• Close-up

  Close-up

  A fishing tool that every seasoned angler would covet: EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) rod.

  EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) fishing rods were born out of a desire to enjoy fishing in the rich waters of Edo Bay, as well as in the clear streams of the mountains and fields. Each rod is handcrafted, boasting a level of precision and beauty incomparable to rods made from mass-produced synthetic materials. We visited a rod maker who carries on the legacy of a master craftsman in the downtown area along the Sumida River.

   

  EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) rods symbolize the abundance of the sea and rivers of Edo (Tokyo).

  It seems that bass fishing and fly fishing, which originated in Europe and America, are popular these days. The rods used for these fishing are mostly made of mass-producible chemical materials such as fiberglass and carbon fiber. In contrast, in Japan, when you talk about fishing rods, the original and most important material is bamboo. Because bamboo has vertical fibers, there is no lateral wobble when you reel in a fish. The feel is unique to bamboo and cannot be experienced with new materials. But that's not all. Japanese fishing rods, processed with lacquer and silk thread, go beyond being mere practical items and are full of aesthetic appeal even when viewed as works of art.
  Fishing has been practiced throughout Japan, so there are fishing rod production areas in various regions. Kyoto rods, Kishu rods, Shonai rods, Gujo rods—all of them are undoubtedly masterpieces. What sets EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) apart is the overwhelming variety. Goby rods, surf rods, sillago rods, bitterling rods, sweetfish rods, crucian carp rods... This, in turn, symbolizes the abundance of the seas and rivers of Edo (present-day EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) originated.

  

  All the tools used in making fishing rods

  "Your father was an amazing rod maker." Those words were the catalyst.

  I visited Kisaburo Nakane, the fourth-generation Saotada (who also serves as the chairman of EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) Cooperative Association), the great-grandson of the highly acclaimed first-generation Saotada, in Minami-Senju, Arakawa Ward. I got off the last remaining streetcar line in Tokyo (Toden Arakawa Line) at Minowabashi. I strolled leisurely through the charming downtown streets to Mr. Nakane's house. In front of the entrance, bleached bamboo was piled up so high that there was hardly any room to step. Sitting cross-legged in the back of the shop, Mr. Nakane's demeanor and crisp way of speaking were the epitome of an Edoite.
  Kisaburo was the third son of the third generation Saotada, Nakane Otokichi, who was highly regarded as a master rakugo performer, no less so than the first generation. At Saotada, it was a rule that the tradition was passed down only to the eldest son, so Kisaburo had not been taught anything by his father. However, the family was affected by the Great Tokyo Air Raid. Only Kisaburo and his sister (Ebina Kayoko) survived. The previous generation Sanyutei Kinba, a regular customer and fishing buddy of his father, felt sorry for the siblings and introduced Kisaburo to one of his father's favorite customers, which dramatically changed Kisaburo's life.
  "Everyone would show me the rods my father made, saying, 'Your father was amazing. You'll never get your hands on a rod this good again.' Hearing and seeing all of that made me desperately want to make rods myself."

  

  Kisaburo Nakane said, "Back in the day, there was apparently good bamboo on Ueno Hill. But now we have to go all the way to the provinces to get it."

  The foundation of manufacturing is having an overwhelming passion for it.

  At the age of 19, he became an apprentice to a rod maker. He shaved his head, knowing that he couldn't undergo the training with half-hearted intentions. He even washed bamboo in a canal in freezing cold. Even so, his desire to learn the trade and become a master rod maker outweighed any feelings of hardship or suffering. He vowed to himself that he would not take over the name of Saotada until he could make rods worthy of the name.
  "At first, I just honed my skills by imitating the work of the founder and my father. As I got older, at 30, 40, 50, and 60, I developed a perspective that came with my age. Even when looking at the same fishing rods made by my parents, my own perspective changed. I began to see the depth of things."
  Gradually, I began to incorporate my own unique style that only I could create.
  "The foundation of craftsmanship is having an overwhelming love for making things. If you don't do it reluctantly, you can't do anything, right?"

  

  Mr. Nakane has no successor, but he continues to make fishing rods not only for custom orders but also to preserve them for future generations.

  The joy of owning a one-of-a-kind item, made just for you.

  Many customers are captivated by Kisaburo's skills, and orders come in from all over the country. When he accepts an order, he asks the customer to come in just once. This is so he can sit down and talk to them carefully about what they want to catch, where they want to catch it, and what their preferences are. He says that the more difficult the order, the more rewarding it is for him.
  "As long as there are customers who like my rods and support me, I will continue making them. Fishing rods are toys for adults. They can't just be practical; they have to be beautiful and fun to look at."
  The joy of owning a one-of-a-kind, custom-made masterpiece tailored to your preferences—what a luxurious adult plaything EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) fishing rod truly is.

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    A crucian carp fishing rod. There's a saying that fishing begins and ends with crucian carp.

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    Even with the same type of fishing rod, the color and lacquer finish can be changed according to the customer's preference.

  Craftsman Profile

  Kisaburo Nakane

  Born in 1932.
  In 1951, at the age of 19, he entered the world of fishing rod making, and in 1956 he became independent and adopted the name "Takenoko." In 1974, he succeeded to the name of the 4th generation "Saotada."

  Anecdotes

  Encountering a legendary masterpiece

  EDO Wazao (Fishing Rods) began to be made in Edo during the Kyoho era (1716-1736). Later, during the Tenmei era (1781-1788), the first generation Taichiya Tosaku opened a rod maker's shop, and both the quality and quantity of rods grew dramatically. He is the founder of Edo-style fishing rod making, and if you trace the lineage of any rod maker currently active, you will inevitably find your way back to him.
  As the Meiji era began, master rod makers emerged: the 3rd generation Tosaku, the 1st generation Saotada, and the 1st generation Saoji. Here, we introduce a legendary item, considered a phantom fishing tool, created by the legendary rod maker, the 1st generation Saotada. This portable fishing set, the epitome of sophistication, includes everything from the rod to the smallest fishing accessories, all neatly packaged in a tobacco pouch. The set includes two rods, one a 10cm two-piece and the other a 15cm three-piece, with ivory used for the core of the ferrule joint, and the box made of mulberry wood. Of course, the rods are perfectly precise, without a single imperfection.

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    The two fishing rods are irreplaceable cultural artifacts of fishing equipment.