KastKing (headquartered in the USA), a manufacturer and distributor of fishing tackle, primarily reels, rods, and lines, is pleased to announce that, in conjunction with its full-scale entry into the Japanese market, it has officially signed contracts with four prominent professional anglers who are active on the front lines in Japan: Nomura Shunsuke, Igarashi Makoto, Kiyohama Yuki and Kitahara Manato.
Towards creating products perfectly suited to Japanese fishing fields: The background of collaboration with professional anglers KastKing is an American fishing tackle brand that has been loved by anglers in over 150 countries worldwide. We consider Japan, one of the world’s leading fishing nations, to be one of our most important markets, and our top priority is to create products that truly satisfy the Japanese people, with a long-term perspective that goes beyond short-term entry.
A crucial step in achieving this is the signing of contracts with these four Japanese professional anglers, which go beyond mere sponsorship agreements and involve them deeply in the early stages of product development as ” development partners .” By earnestly addressing the ” precision ” and ” delicacy” that are particularly demanded in Japanese fishing, and by leveraging their experience and knowledge gained from standing on the front lines of demanding tournament scenes and ever-changing fishing fields, we will begin an initiative to deeply understand what Japanese users ” truly need ” and reflect that in our products.
Turning user feedback into reality: A challenge in Japanese localization.
Going forward, we will directly share the real-world feedback obtained by professional anglers in extreme conditions with our development team, and combine that with feedback from general Japanese anglers to create a cycle that reflects the needs of the Japanese market in product development. We will not only pursue functions optimized for Japan’s delicate field environment, but also further promote the cycle of reflecting the needs of the Japanese market in product development and the “Japan localization” of our products. KastKing will steadily move forward to become a ” trusted brand ” for Japanese anglers in the long term.
Contracted Pro Angler Profiles
Nomura Shunsuke
Instagram: @nomushun
He is a leading Japanese professional angler with an impressive record, having won the JB Masters four times, the Japan Super Bass Classic twice, and the ELITE 5 Championship, and holds the record for the most wins in JB Pro Tournaments.
Having been active on the front lines of competition for many years, his high adaptability to natural conditions such as wind, water quality, and seasonal changes, as well as his reliable techniques backed by extensive experience, have always attracted attention from fellow anglers and many fishing fans. He also actively shares the real-life details of his matches and fishing trips on his social media. In addition to practical methods such as “how to think and how to fish,” he also possesses a strong ability to convey the depth and enjoyment of bass fishing.
View this post on Instagram
Igarashi Makoto
Instagram: @igarashi_makoto Makoto
Igarashi is a bass fishing guide and professional angler based at Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture, offering guided fishing services targeting smallmouth bass. He is
also the representative of the lure brand “FOLLOW” and competes at the forefront of the sport, participating in the “JB TOP50,” Japan’s top tournament.
As a fishing guide, he carefully instructs anglers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, on tackle and strategies for each field.
Through consistent catches and practical explanations, he is a professional who has built a solid track record and strong trust in major fields in the Kanto region, including Lake Nojiri.
View this post on Instagram
Yuki Kiyohama
Instagram: @kiyo_o.101
O. is a bass fishing guide and professional angler based in Lake Kizaki and Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture. A native of Lake Kizaki, he is a local and possesses an overwhelming amount of information about his home lake, combined with his tournament experience to provide accurate navigation. He uses the latest bass boats and tackle while employing an old-school guiding style, and his careful teaching, which provides an environment where anyone can easily fish regardless of skill level, is highly regarded.
With his community-based activities and approachable personality, he is steadily gaining fans.
View this post on Instagram
Kitahara Manato
Instagram: @manato_kitahara
He is a young professional angler who competes in Japan’s top bass tournaments and is expected to lead the next generation.
He achieved an excellent result of 3rd place in the 2025 “JB Masters” and has been participating as a member of the top category “JB TOP50” since 2026. His
playing style is based on extremely practical techniques honed in the demanding tournament environments of major fields in Japan, including his home lake, Lake Kawaguchi .
On social media, he shares his real daily life and the process of his dedication to competition, from practice sessions leading up to tournaments to the actual competitions and his preparations as a professional, making him a player to watch who is expected to make even greater strides in the future.
View this post on Instagram
About KastKing
Company profile
CustKing was founded in 2013 by a group of fishing buddies attending university in Syracuse, New York.
Starting with the simple question, “What if we could keep fishing fun?”, the brand has grown into a global brand loved by anglers in over 150 countries worldwide.
Top US tournament pros, including Brent Chapman, also use and compete with our products.
Mission: ” Fueled by Innovation ”
For CustKing, innovation is not an end in itself, but a driving force that propels product development forward.
We sincerely address user feedback and field challenges, and by handling everything from planning and design to manufacturing and quality control in-house, we continuously produce products of stable quality and high reliability.
This thorough development system and unique supply chain enable us to offer products with functionality and quality comparable to high-end brands, incorporating user feedback, all at an affordable price for everyone.
Main achievements and initiatives
ICAST 2015 Best of Show
ICAST 2024 Best of Show
Technological prowess : Multiple “Best of Show” awards at ICAST, the largest fishing tackle trade show in the United States (2015, 2024). Holds over 90 patents and over 240 copyrights.
Sustainability : To protect the natural environment, we contribute to a sustainable future for fishing through initiatives such as eliminating plastic from product packaging and making donations to environmental conservation organizations.
Community : With the slogan “Keep Fishing Fun,” we support all anglers, regardless of age or experience, so that they can enjoy their time by the water.
Company Profile
Brand name : KastKing
Established : 2013
Headquarters : New York, USA
Business activities : Planning, development, manufacturing, and sales of fishing tackle (reels, rods, lines, tools, etc.)
Official Instagram : @kastking_jp
Official X (formerly Twitter) : @kastking_jp
Amazon Official Store: CustKing Store
Amazon discount code: XDJJSDXT
20% discount, valid from 2026.5.7 0:00 to 2026.6.5 23:59
