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Buying a reel in Japan

Michael Brough

Senior Member & Supporter
My wife and I will be having a holiday in Japan at the end of October and my mind turned to buying a reel. I was wondering if anyone has brought fishing equipment back from Japan. I was interested if the prices are lower and if the quality is better if the reel is made in Japan. I am particularly interested in a Shimano baitrunner or Daiwa match size reel.
 
From my experience, prices are about the same although depends on what you’re after. The crashed yen should help though.

You’ll find a wider range of stuff from Shimano, Daiwa etc, stuff that I didn’t even know Shimano made, lots of crazy bits and pieces.

Bear in mind the Japanese market is heavily based around lure and game fishing so you’ll see a lot of that gear.

Depending where you’re going, Sansui can be good, there’s a few of them in Tokyo.
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Thanks for the advice guys. I am in the fortunate position that we will be spending a few weeks with our friend and her husband whilst in Japan. She has lived in Japan for 40 years and speaks good Japanese but she said take her husband, who is fluent in English, to the stores.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I am in the fortunate position that we will be spending a few weeks with our friend and her husband whilst in Japan. She has lived in Japan for 40 years and speaks good Japanese but she said take her Japanese husband, who is fluent in English, to the stores.
 
I have bought from Plat a few times for my big game gear like Saltigas and Certates. Their website has a lot of information and you can even pimp your reels if you want with upgraded handles, bearings and spools. I just typed in Plat Fishing and it has and english worded site
 
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