1. Why Edo-style rods join several different kinds of bamboo
A single rod is made from several pieces of different types of bamboo. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s page on traditional crafts, Edo-style Japanese fishing rods are "tsugizao," made by joining several different bamboo stems into one rod. The types of bamboo named are hotei-chiku, yadake, hachiku, and madake[1].
What stands out first is that they do not just cut and join the same type of bamboo. Instead, they combine different species. How the joints are finished is explained in the fourth section.
2. How fishing became a popular hobby in Edo
In a time of peace, fishing became popular. A Kanagawa Shimbun article explains that Edo-style rods were born as fishing spread as a hobby among samurai and wealthy townspeople during a period without war. The same article contrasts this with Yokohama rods, which were designed for practical use by fishermen catching large fish, while Edo-style rods were made for "play" [3]. However, this is an explanation from a newspaper article and may not apply to every rod.
Rods varied by fish and method. Wikipedia describes diversity as the main feature of Edo-style rods. Many different rods were made to match the many fish and fishing methods found around Edo. One example is a type of rod called "kotsugizao," made for small fish such as crucian carp and bitterling [2].
Wikipedia also notes that a book on fishing from the Edo period, "Kasenroku" (1723), already contains descriptions of how to choose joined rods [2].
3. How curved bamboo is straightened with fire
Bamboo is heated over fire to remove its oil, then straightened with a jig. According to the Tokyo page, bamboo is heated to remove oil, then straightened using a "tamegi" (straightening jig). This process of "hiire" (fire treatment) and "tame" (straightening) is a crucial part of making Japanese rods. It is said that the techniques used for making bows and arrows form the foundation of this skill [1][3].
Mastering this takes 10 years. Shioyoshi, a rod maker introduced by the Kanagawa Shimbun, says that straightening and fire treatment are important tasks that take 10 years to master [3]. While this is one craftsman’s words and may not apply to all craftsmen, it shows that this is work that requires refining one’s sense of touch.
Time to dry the bamboo. Bamboo is shaved, oil is removed, and it is dried before use. Some materials explain that the drying period takes several years, while others say it takes 1 to 3 months in the sun. The sources give different drying times, possibly because they describe different stages of the work [4].
SAFETY NOTE: Working with fire is a job for the craftspeople. If you visit a workshop, follow the staff’s safety instructions and do not handle fire or tools unless an adult says it is safe.
4. How rod joints are fitted to bend smoothly without wobbling
The joints are fitted precisely. The joint areas are fitted with great precision so that the rod does not wobble and bends well as a whole. The introduction from Traditional Craft Aoyama Square says this is an essential technique for maintaining the flexibility of the rod [4].
Wrapped with silk thread and lacquer. Thread is wound around the joints, and lacquer is applied to reinforce them and prevent cracking [4]. According to the Tokyo page, the thread used for the joints is silk thread, and the lacquer is natural lacquer, shown as traditional raw materials. The lacquer is filtered to remove impurities and finished using a wiping technique called "fuki-urushi" [1].
5. Famous rod-making lineages and rods passed down
A famous lineage started in Ueno. The Tokyo page states that Edo-style rod making owes much to Taichiya Tosaku, who is said to have started his business in front of Kotoku-ji temple in Ueno in the 8th year of Tenmei (1788). Many current craftsmen are said to trace their lineage back to him [1]. Some documents list the founding year as 1778 or 1783, but 1788 is the current common theory.
Daimyo competed on decorations, and official designation followed. The Traditional Craft Aoyama Square introduction says that in the Edo period, daimyo (feudal lords) competed on the decorative finishing of the rods, reaching the level of fine art crafts [4]. Edo-style Japanese fishing rods were designated as Tokyo traditional crafts in 1984 and as national traditional crafts by the then-Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1991 [2].
However, it is also reported that demand has decreased due to the appearance of fiberglass and carbon rods, and there are concerns about losing the skills due to a shortage of successors [4].
6. How to investigate bamboo and fishing rods at home
Things you can do at home. Observe bamboo products you have at home, such as rulers, sieves, or baskets. Compare the color of the bamboo and the spacing of the nodes. You might notice that even bamboo can differ slightly in color and thickness. Broken bamboo can have sharp splinters, so wear gloves and look with an adult.
Things you can do when going out. Fishing tackle shops or places introducing traditional crafts may display rods. Look at how the thread is wound around the joints and the color of the lacquer. If visiting a workshop, please follow the rules for work involving fire.
Official information. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s page on traditional crafts has an introduction to Edo-style Japanese fishing rods [1].