US Fishing Tackle Brand "KastKing" Officially Signs Contracts with Four Renowned Japanese Professional Anglers

KastKing (Headquarters: USA), a fishing tackle manufacturer and distributor focused on reels, rods, and lines, announces that it has officially signed contracts with four prominent professional anglers active on the front lines of Japan (Shunsuke Nomura, Makoto Igarashi, Yuki Kiyohama, and Manato Kitahara), accompanying its full-scale entry into the Japanese market.

Towards creating products optimized for Japanese fields: The background of collaboration with professional anglers

As a fishing tackle brand originating from the United States, KastKing has been loved by anglers in over 150 countries worldwide. We position Japan, one of the world's leading fishing nations, as one of our most important markets. With a long-term perspective that goes beyond short-term entry, we consider it our top priority to steadily achieve product development that genuinely satisfies Japanese customers.

A crucial step towards this goal is the signing of contracts with these four Japanese professional anglers, who will act as "development partners," deeply involved from the initial stages of product development, going beyond the framework of mere sponsorship agreements. We will earnestly address the "precision" and "delicacy" particularly required in Japanese fishing. Through the experience and knowledge of these anglers, who stand at the forefront of demanding tournament scenes and ever-changing fields, we will embark on an initiative to deeply understand the "products truly needed" by Japanese users and reflect them in our offerings.

Giving shape to user voices: Challenging Japanese localization

Moving forward, we will establish a cycle where real feedback gained by professional anglers in extreme combat conditions is directly shared with our development bases. By combining this with feedback from general anglers in Japan, we will reflect these insights in product development tailored to the Japanese market's needs. In addition to pursuing functions optimized for Japan's delicate field environments, we will further promote the "Japan localization" of our products through a development cycle that incorporates Japanese market needs. KastKing will steadily move forward to become a "trusted brand" for Japanese anglers over the long term.

Contracted Professional Angler Profiles

Shunsuke Nomura

Instagram: @nomushun A leading Japanese professional angler boasting an illustrious record of four annual championships in JB Masters, two championships in Japan Super Bass Classic, and an ELITE 5 champion title, holding the record for most JB Pro Tournament victories. Having been active on the front lines of competitive fishing for many years, his high adaptability to natural conditions such as wind, water quality, and seasonal changes, combined with reliable techniques backed by extensive experience, consistently draws attention from peers and many fishing fans. He also actively shares real-time updates on his matches and fishing trips on his SNS. In addition to practical methods like "how to think and how to fish," he possesses strong communication skills to convey the depth and enjoyment of bass fishing.

Makoto Igarashi

Instagram: @igarashi_makoto A bass fishing guide and professional angler who has Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture as his home lake and operates a guide service targeting smallmouth bass. While serving as the representative of the lure brand "FOLLOW," he participates in Japan's highest-level tournament, "JB TOP50," and continues to compete on the front lines of the sport. As a fishing guide, he carefully instructs a wide range of clients, from beginners to advanced anglers, on tackle and strategies for each field. Through stable catches and practical explanations, he has built a solid track record and deep trust in major Kanto fields, including Lake Nojiri, as a true professional.

Yuki Kiyohama

Instagram: @kiyo_o.101 A bass fishing guide and professional angler based at Lake Kizaki and Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture. Born and raised near Lake Kizaki, his strength lies in his overwhelming knowledge of his home lakes combined with his tournament experience, providing accurate navigation. He employs an old-school guide style while utilizing the latest bass boats and tackle, and his careful teaching, which creates an easy-to-fish environment for all skill levels, is highly praised. With activities rooted in the local community and an approachable personality, he is steadily expanding his fanbase.

Manato Kitahara

Instagram: @manato_kitahara

A young professional angler who fights in Japan's highest-level bass tournaments and is set to lead the next generation. He achieved an excellent 3rd place overall in the 2025 "JB Masters" and is scheduled to participate as a member of the top category "JB TOP50" from 2026.