Why Japanese Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Dominate the Global Market: Technological Innovation and Market Adaptation Strategies

Current State of Japanese Fishing Tackle Exports: Leading Position in the Global Market

The global fishing tackle market boasted a scale of approximately 1.9 trillion yen as of 2022, and Japan demonstrates overwhelming export strength in this market. In particular, major Japanese manufacturers Globeride and Shimano have achieved overseas sales of 120.1 billion yen and 111.0 billion yen respectively, establishing themselves as the top two positions in the global market. This export scale is nearly twice that of the third-placed US Pure Fishing (approximately 60 billion yen), demonstrating the high international competitiveness of Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers.

What is particularly noteworthy is that the technologies and raw materials cultivated in the fishing tackle industry are being exported and utilised across a wide range of industrial sectors, extending far beyond fishing tackle manufacturing itself. For example, carbon fibre technology is applied to aerospace industries and premium automobile body manufacturing, precision machining technologies to medical devices and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and corrosion-resistant surface treatment technologies to electronic devices such as smartphones. Fuji Industrial's ceramic technology is used in medical implant manufacturing, Matsubara Textile's carbon fibre weaving technology in the sports equipment industry, and Kyowa Chemical Industry's biodegradable resin is exported to countries worldwide as environmentally conscious packaging material.

These materials and technologies originating from the "fishing tackle sector" have merged with Japan's unique precision processing and quality control know-how, receiving high acclaim in international markets as high-value-added products. In fact, the total export value of technologies derived from Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers and their related companies is estimated to far exceed the export value of pure fishing tackle products.

In this way, Japan's fishing tackle industry is not merely limited to the manufacturing and export of fishing equipment, but is contributing to the development and technological innovation of diverse industries in the global market through innovative technologies and materials developed in the process.

The factors behind this success can be summarised in the following two points:

1. Advanced Technological Capabilities

Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers have continuously engaged in technological innovation since developing the world's first carbon fishing rod in 1972. For example, they have achieved aerospace industry-level manufacturing technologies, such as precision manufacturing technology that manages the mixing ratio of carbon fibre and resin in 0.1% units, and quality maintenance through strict temperature control at -18 degrees.

2. Product Development Tailored to Regional Characteristics

A notable strength of Japanese companies is their ability to develop products suited to the fishing styles and environments of each region. To provide specific examples:

North American Market:

Bass fishing is the largest category, accounting for approximately 40% of the fishing population. There is particularly high demand for largemouth bass products, with sturdy rods required for power fishing. Next in popularity is offshore salmon and tuna fishing, accounting for about 25% of the total. In this market, boat fishing rods that combine strength and lightweight properties are important.

European Market:

Traditional fly fishing is mainstream, with approximately 35% of the fishing population in the UK and Scandinavian regions adopting this style. Delicate rods targeting trout and salmon are in demand. Additionally, carp fishing in lakes and ponds is popular in France and Germany, accounting for about 30% of the total. Lightweight and highly sensitive rods suitable for long fishing sessions are required.

Asian Market (Excluding Japan):

Urban fishing is characteristic, with sea fishing at port facilities accounting for approximately 45% of the total in Singapore and Malaysia. Anti-corrosion performance capable of withstanding high-temperature, high-humidity environments is emphasised. In Korea, black bass fishing in large aquaculture farms is popular, accounting for about 30% of the market. In China, fishing targeting freshwater fish is mainstream, with particularly high demand at fishing ponds near urban areas.

In Southeast Asia:

- Barramundi fishing in mangroves

- Catfish fishing in aquaculture ponds

are characteristic, with corrosion resistance and heat resistance being emphasised.

In this way, the fishing styles and environmental conditions unique to each region serve as important guidelines for product development.

This detailed regional product development is supported by the development of more than 500 new products annually. The companies have established a system that directly gathers the requests of anglers in each region and incorporates them into product development.

History of Japanese Fishing Tackle Innovation: Evolution from Tradition to Cutting-Edge Technology

The turning point in technological innovation in Japanese fishing tackle manufacturing dates back to 1972. In that year, Olympic Company (now Globeride) developed the world's first fishing rod using carbon fibre, the "Seiki Ayu". This marked a major turning point from conventional materials such as bamboo, metal, and glass fibre.

This technological innovation developed through the following stages:

1970s: Beginning of the Materials Revolution

The adoption of carbon fibre achieved a 40% reduction in weight and a 60% increase in strength compared to conventional fishing rods. However, early carbon products faced challenges of being too hard and prone to breaking.

1980s: Establishment of Manufacturing Technology

Prepreg technology introduced from the aircraft industry was optimised for fishing rod manufacturing. This technology made it possible to control the ratio of carbon fibre to resin in 0.1% units. A quality maintenance system using temperature control at -18 degrees was also established.

1990s: Development of Composite Materials Technology

Technology was developed to combine materials with different characteristics. For example, the combination of high-elasticity carbon and high-strength carbon successfully achieved both flexibility and strength.

2000s: Introduction of Digital Analysis

Computer simulation made it possible to precisely predict the behaviour of fishing rods. This technology reduced the time from design to manufacturing by 50% and improved product precision by 30%.

2010s and Beyond: Application of Nanotechnology

The adoption of carbon nanotubes achieved further weight reduction and strength improvement. Furthermore, resin modification technology at the molecular level successfully improved durability by 40%.

In the current manufacturing process, the following three important technological elements have been established:

1. Prepreg Technology Management

Prepreg refers to an intermediate material in which carbon fibre is impregnated with resin. Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers manage this technology at an exceptionally high level.

Specifically, they control the ratio of fibre to resin in extremely small units of 0.1%. This precise management of mixing ratios allows for detailed adjustment of fishing rod characteristics such as strength and elasticity.

Furthermore, the lamination angle of carbon fibre is managed with a precision of 0.5 degree units. Since even a slight change in the direction of the fibres alters the way the rod bends and its strength, this precise angle management is key to producing high-quality products.

Additionally, temperature management during the manufacturing process is thoroughly implemented, achieving stabilisation of quality. In particular, they have established a system that maintains material quality through strict temperature control at -18 degrees.

Such precise technological management is an important factor in Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers maintaining their superiority in the global market.

2. Precision Moulding Technology

Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers possess extremely advanced precision moulding technology in the manufacturing of fishing rods.

Firstly, they conduct taper angle control with remarkable precision at 0.01 degree units. Fishing rods have a shape (taper) that becomes thinner towards the tip, and this slight difference in angle significantly affects the rod's performance. This fine angle control achieves ideal bending patterns and strength distribution.

Next, they also possess the technology to form minute step structures on the rod's surface. These minute steps allow control of the rod's bending pattern and adjustment of strength. These microscopic structures, which are hardly visible to the naked eye, improve the performance of fishing rods.

Furthermore, high-precision release technology using special coatings is also important. Release refers to the process of removing the product from the mould after forming, and by applying a special coating, the product can be removed from the mould without compromising the surface quality. This achieves both surface beauty and precision.

The combination of these precision moulding technologies enables Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers to consistently produce high-performance, high-quality fishing rods.

3. Thermal Curing Process Control

Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers control the thermal curing process with extreme precision during the fishing rod manufacturing process.

Firstly, they manage temperature increase at a gentle and precise rate of 2-3°C per minute. To properly bond carbon fibre and resin, it is important to avoid sudden temperature changes and heat slowly and uniformly. This precise temperature rise management prevents the formation of internal bubbles and irregularities, enhancing strength and quality.

Next, they possess the technology to maintain the heating temperature within a narrow range of ±1°C. Even a temperature difference of just 1°C can affect the curing state of the resin, so this precise temperature maintenance is key to producing high-quality products. They utilise temperature sensors and control systems to maintain ideal temperatures throughout the thermal curing process.

Finally, cooling speed is also optimised. Since the cooling process after curing also significantly affects product quality, cooling speed is finely controlled to prevent distortion and cracking caused by rapid cooling. The optimal cooling profile is set according to the characteristics of the materials and the shape of the product.

These thermal curing process control technologies enable Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers to produce high-performance fishing rods with consistent quality. This technology is as advanced as that of the aerospace industry and is an important element supporting the international competitiveness of Japan's fishing tackle industry.

Through this accumulation of technology, Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers have achieved the following results:

- 60% reduction in product weight (compared to the 1970s)

- 200% improvement in strength (compared to the 1970s)

- Triple extension of product lifespan (compared to the 1970s)

This continuous technological innovation is supported by the fusion of feedback from actual anglers and the latest materials engineering. Each manufacturer conducts more than 500 field tests annually and utilises that data for product development.

Evolution of Materials Technology in Fishing Tackle and Industrial Collaboration

Japan's fishing tackle industry maintains its competitiveness in the global market through advanced materials technology. In particular, technological innovation in fishing rod manufacturing has been achieved through collaboration with other industries.

The core of materials technology is carbon fibre technology. Since the development of the world's first carbon material fishing rod in 1972, the technology has continued to evolve through cooperation with Japanese materials manufacturers. Japanese carbon fibre manufacturers, led by Toray, supply high-quality materials suitable for fishing tackle. In particular, the development of high-elasticity carbon fibre and high-strength carbon fibre has greatly contributed to improving the performance of fishing rods.

The manufacturing technology of prepreg, an intermediate material in which carbon fibre is impregnated with resin, is also important. In this technology, the management of the mixing ratio of fibre and resin determines product quality. Temperature management during manufacturing is also an important element.

In recent years, environmental considerations have also become an important direction for technological development. Research into materials with less environmental impact and environmental measures in the manufacturing process are also being advanced.

In manufacturing technology, precision improvements in quality control are continuously being carried out. Particular focus is placed on the following points:

- Ensuring product uniformity

- Strengthening quality inspections

- Improving manufacturing efficiency

The strength of Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers lies in their comprehensive capability to combine these technologies and finish them as products suitable for actual fishing. Each company has its own research and development department, working on the development of new materials and manufacturing technologies.

Furthermore, a system that utilises feedback from actual anglers in product development is also a characteristic of Japanese companies. Product development focuses not only on theoretical performance improvements but also on actual feel during use.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Fishing Tackle Technology:

Small and medium-sized enterprises with advanced technologies play a vital role in supporting Japan's fishing tackle industry. These companies have developed unique technologies for specific components and processes, underpinning world-class product quality.

Guide Manufacturing Technology

Fuji Industrial Co., Ltd. (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Fuji Industrial Co., Ltd., based in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a specialist manufacturer of fishing rod guides (rings through which fishing line passes). The company boasts a dominant 80% share of the global market for fishing rod guides.

One of Fuji Industrial's strengths is its proprietary ceramic rings. The ring portion of guides, which constantly experiences friction from fishing line, requires high wear resistance. The company's ceramic rings achieve three times the wear resistance compared to conventional products. This extends the lifespan of fishing line and improves fishing efficiency and comfort.

Additionally, the company uses titanium alloy for the frame portion of the guides, and through their unique precision processing technology, they have succeeded in reducing weight by 40% compared to conventional products whilst maintaining strength. As the weight of fishing rods directly affects an angler's fatigue, this weight reduction technology significantly enhances product competitiveness.

Furthermore, the company possesses advanced technology in quality control, having developed specialised inspection equipment that can adjust the position and angle of guides with extremely high precision of 0.1mm units. Since even slight deviations in the position and angle of guides affect fishing line resistance and casting distance, such precise inspection technology supports the manufacture of high-quality guides.

In this way, Fuji Industrial's advanced technological capabilities span from materials development to processing technology and inspection technology, playing a key role in the international competitiveness of Japan's fishing tackle industry.

Reel Component Processing

Takahashi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Gunma Prefecture)

Takahashi Manufacturing is a company based in Gunma Prefecture, possessing specialised precision machining technology for fishing reel gear components.

One of the company's strengths is its manufacturing technology for gear components, which can be considered the heart of fishing reels. In particular, they have developed their own heat treatment technology, successfully improving the wear resistance of gears to twice (200%) that of conventional products. This technology significantly extends the life of reels, maintaining stable performance even under harsh usage conditions.

Furthermore, remarkably, they have achieved extremely high precision in processing fine gears at the 1/1000mm (micron) level. Considering that a human hair has a diameter of approximately 0.1mm (100 microns), one can appreciate how high this precision truly is. This precision machining technology ensures smooth winding feel and durability of reels.

Additionally, since fishing reels are often used in marine environments, countermeasures against rust are important. Takahashi Manufacturing has developed special surface treatment technology, creating products that resist rusting even when used in seawater. This technology ensures high corrosion resistance that withstands long-term use in saltwater environments.

In this way, Takahashi Manufacturing's precision machining technology, heat treatment technology, and surface treatment technology are critical elements supporting the performance and durability of high-quality reels produced by Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers.

Carbon Fibre Weaving Technology

Matsubara Weaving Co., Ltd. (Fukui Prefecture)

Matsubara Weaving is a company based in Fukui Prefecture, specialising in the manufacture of special carbon fibre fabrics for fishing rods.

A major strength of the company is that they have uniquely modified conventional looms to establish weaving technology specifically for carbon fibres. Carbon fibres are extremely thin and also have a characteristic of being easily broken, making them difficult to weave on normal looms. To solve this challenge, Matsubara Weaving fundamentally redesigned conventional looms, developing their own looms optimised for carbon fibres.

Particularly noteworthy is their development of a proprietary system that controls fibre tension in minute units of 0.1N (Newton). Since carbon fibres change characteristics with even slight differences in tension, this precise tension control enables the manufacture of high-quality fabrics. This technology allows for the production of uniform and consistently high-quality fabrics.

Furthermore, Matsubara Weaving has developed a special weaving method, successfully achieving a high level of balance between the seemingly contradictory properties of strength and flexibility. Normally, increasing strength results in stiffness and loss of flexibility, but the company's special weaving method has realised an ideal material that demonstrates strength when strong force is applied whilst maintaining appropriate flexibility during normal use.

These advanced weaving technologies form the foundation of the excellent performance of Japanese fishing rods and are a critical element supporting their competitiveness in the global market.

Painting Technology

Yamada Painting Industry Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture)

Yamada Painting Industry is a company based in Aichi Prefecture, possessing unique advanced technology in fishing rod painting.

The company's most distinctive feature is its multi-layer painting technology that achieves a high level of both weather resistance and abrasion resistance. Fishing rods are used outdoors and exposed to harsh environments including ultraviolet light, rain, and seawater. They also need to withstand friction during transport and use. To meet these conflicting requirements, Yamada Painting Industry has developed a proprietary multi-layer painting technology that applies multiple layers of paints with different characteristics. This technology realises high durability that withstands long-term use whilst maintaining aesthetic beauty.

Additionally, environmental consciousness is an important initiative of the company. Traditional fishing rod paints sometimes contained harmful chemical substances, but Yamada Painting Industry has independently developed environmentally conscious paints that do not use harmful substances. These environmentally conscious paints also excel in performance, simultaneously achieving reduced environmental impact and improved product quality.

Furthermore, a technically noteworthy point is the ability to control paint film thickness with extremely high precision at 0.01mm units. If the paint film is too thick, it becomes excess weight, and if too thin, the protective function decreases; therefore, this precise thickness control directly relates to product performance and durability. Considering that the diameter of a human hair is approximately 0.1mm, one can appreciate the high level of precision.

Such advanced painting technology from Yamada Painting Industry supports the beautiful appearance and long life of Japanese fishing rods, playing an important role in enhancing product value.

Resin Moulding Technology

Kyowa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Osaka Prefecture)

Kyowa Chemical Industry is a company based in Osaka Prefecture, possessing specialised technology in resin moulding for fishing lures (artificial bait used to catch fish).

The company's most noteworthy technology is their formulation technique that can adjust specific gravity in water with very fine precision of 0.01 units. Since the movement of lures is greatly influenced by their specific gravity in water, this precise gravity adjustment technology enables the faithful reproduction of bait fish movements or designs that float only at specific water depths. This technology allows anglers to attract fish more effectively.

Furthermore, Kyowa Chemical Industry has successfully developed unique materials that achieve a high level of both impact resistance and flexibility. Lures need strength to withstand damage from fish teeth and collisions with rocks, but at the same time require softness like real bait when bitten by fish. The company has developed proprietary resin formulations that meet these contradictory requirements, enabling the manufacture of high-performance lures.

Additionally, in response to growing awareness of environmental issues, they are also developing environmentally conscious biodegradable plastics. Conventional lures presented a problem of remaining in nature when lost, but lures using Kyowa Chemical Industry's biodegradable plastics decompose in nature after a certain period. This has realised innovative products that significantly reduce environmental impact whilst maintaining performance during use that is unchanged from conventional products.

These advanced resin moulding technologies and materials development capabilities of Kyowa Chemical Industry support the technological superiority of Japan's fishing tackle industry and serve as important elements in realising harmony with the environment.

Metal Processing Technology

Suntech Co., Ltd. (Niigata Prefecture)

Suntech is a company based in Niigata Prefecture, possessing world-class technology in fishing hook manufacturing.

A major strength of the company is their special heat treatment technology. Despite their small size, fishing hooks must withstand the strong force of fish, and conventional fishing hooks risked breakage when dealing with large fish. Suntech has developed their own heat treatment method, achieving a remarkable strength improvement of twice that of conventional products. This technology enables even thin, light hooks to handle large fish, expanding anglers' options.

Furthermore, they possess exceptional technology in controlling the angle of the hook point, which is a crucial factor affecting fishing hook performance. Suntech can control the hook point angle with extremely high precision of 0.1 degree units. Since the optimal hook point angle differs depending on fish species and fishing methods, this precise angle control technology enables the manufacture of high-performance fishing hooks optimised for various fishing scenarios.

Additionally, as fishing hooks are constantly in contact with water, countermeasures against rust are important. Suntech has developed proprietary plating technology, achieving rust prevention performance significantly superior to conventional products. Particularly in seawater use, where salt corrosion is a problem, fishing hooks with the company's special plating treatment resist rusting even with long-term use and maintain stable performance.

Such advanced metal processing technology, heat treatment technology, and surface treatment technology from Suntech serve as important elements supporting the attention to detail and high quality in Japan's fishing tackle industry.

Technology Utilisation of Small and Medium-Sized Japanese Fishing Tackle Enterprises and Applications in Other Industries

The advanced technologies developed by these small and medium-sized enterprises in the fishing tackle industry are actually playing important roles in various other industries.

1. Fuji Industrial's Ceramic Technology and Titanium Processing Technology

- Medical Devices: Ceramics and lightweight titanium alloys used in artificial joints and dental implants

- Aerospace Industry: Ceramic coating for engine parts that withstand high-temperature and high-pressure environments

- Sports Equipment: Applications in tennis rackets and golf clubs

2. Takahashi Manufacturing's Precision Processing, Heat Treatment, and Surface Treatment Technologies

- Medical Devices: Manufacturing of minute components for precision instruments such as endoscopes

- Watch Industry: Processing of parts for high-end watches requiring micron-level precision

- Electronic Devices: Precision instruments requiring seawater resistance, such as waterproof smartwatches

3. Matsubara Weaving's Carbon Fibre Weaving Technology

- Automobile Industry: Lightweight, high-strength carbon fibre vehicle body components

- Sports Equipment: Tennis rackets, bicycle frames, ski boards

- Prosthetics: Frame materials for lightweight, strong artificial hands and legs

4. Yamada Painting Industry's Multi-Layer Painting Technology

- Automobile Industry: Car exterior painting that combines weather resistance and aesthetic appeal

- Construction Industry: Salt damage-resistant painting for buildings near coastlines

- Mobile Devices: Wear-resistant coating for smartphones and other devices

5. Kyowa Chemical Industry's Precision Resin Moulding and Specific Gravity Adjustment Technology

- Medical Devices: Biodegradable medical stents for use within the body

- Food Packaging: Environmentally conscious biodegradable food containers

- Educational Toys: Scientific teaching materials requiring precise buoyancy adjustment

6. Suntech's Metal Processing, Heat Treatment, and Surface Treatment Technologies

- Medical Devices: Fine, high-strength medical instruments such as surgical scalpels and injection needles

- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Fine, high-precision semiconductor manufacturing equipment components

- Automotive Parts: Precision components inside engines requiring wear resistance and corrosion resistance

Common Features of These Technology Applications:

- Utilisation in industries requiring extremely high precision and quality control

- Product development that withstands harsh environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, salt, etc.)

- Applications in fields where the balance between light weight and strength is important

- Adoption in industries where safety is prioritised, such as medical, aerospace, and automotive sectors

Technologies cultivated in the fishing tackle industry are highly valued for their precision, durability, and weight reduction techniques even in fields that appear to have little relevance, contributing to technological innovation across various industries. In particular, microfabrication, special materials development, and environmentally responsive technologies are making significant contributions to solving challenges faced by modern industries.