Tenkara Angler Interview: Kojiro Yama

If you’ve been following along on Tenkara Angler, Tom Davis recently did a review of the river peak Mizunoma, which was then followed up with a rod and line giveaway that just concluded, with reader Kyle taking home the prize. During this process of working with river peak, we were afforded the opportunity to interview the member of the brand’s Field Staff responsible for the Mizunoma’s design. He’s a gentleman that goes by the name “Kojiro Yama“. While it’s a bit of pseudonym, he is a very talented angler who brings an interesting view on tenkara. We hope you enjoy the interview, and should you watch the embedded videos, please remember to turn captioning and translation on.

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Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for the readers of Tenkara Angler. There has been a wonderful reception regarding the new river peak Mizunoma tenkara rod. It’s been explained that you helped develop the rod as well as have a specific technique you use when fishing it. We would enjoy learning more about yourself, your fishing experiences, and of course, the Mizunoma!

Where do you live and what is your daily profession?

I live in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture (Mt. Fuji is in this prefecture). Professionally, I operate a yakitori restaurant.

What hobbies do you enjoy (outside of fishing)?

In my spare time I enjoy playing the guitar and mountain climbing.

How did you get your beginnings in fishing? Is it something you did as a child? Did somebody teach you how to fish?

I’ve loved fishing since I was a kid, and I’ve done all kinds of fishing, not only tenkara. Most of my fishing was self-taught, I did not have any mentors. Tenkara entered my life when I was 23 years old and has become very special to me.

What do you enjoy the most about tenkara fishing?

Tenkara has become so much a part of my life that it’s hard for me to pick something specific. But if I had to say, the narrow confines tenkara presents, catching fish with minimal equipment, is very satisfying.

Do you have a favorite species of fish to catch?

Yamame is my most favorite species to pursue.

How and when did you start developing & testing rods for river peak?

After making several friends in the small tenkara community, I became a member of river peak’s Field Staff. I have a unique approach to tenkara and it was quite a bit of trial and error working with the rod builder to perfect the ideal shape that I thought would match this style. We reworked the samples many times.

What were your design goals when you decided to help create the river peak Mizunoma?

I wanted the length of the rod to be about 4m. I also wanted to be particular about where the rod bends, shifting the flex point down toward the angler’s hands. By placing the bend in the strongest part of the rod, the entire blank would be utilized and the rod itself will do the majority of the work. We envisioned with this design, we would create a rod that could handle large fish effectively.

I immediately noticed two unique features in the Mizunoma. The shape of the cork grip and the unique silver paint. Is there a reason you chose that shape for the cork grip? And why did you pick silver for the rod’s color?

I have shaved all of the grips of my rods in the past into this shape. I was particular with river peak about the grip of this shape. I think I have made a very good grip that feels natural when I hold it. I think this is a great advantage because it means that I can fish without unnecessary effort. The ease of grip allows for more precise control when casting or fighting a fish.

I also wanted the rod to be recognized at a glance even from a distance! We wanted something bold and left the details to the manufacturer. This silver color shines very brightly. This shining silver is a color that is instantly recognizable as Mizunoma.

I see the Trick Caster line mentioned frequently with the Mizunoma. Is this your preference in line?

It is my favorite line because I also helped design it. The Mizunoma rod and the Trick Caster line were almost simultaneous projects, so they had to balance each other out, and the chemistry is excellent. I only use the Trick Caster line.

What type of kebari do you use? Do you have a favorite fly pattern?

I use my original fly, the Kojiro kemushi kebari, which resembles a hairy caterpillar in almost all situations.

I have watched several videos of you fishing. You appear to have a personal method of fishing. I’ve read it is called “Kojiro Tenkara”. Can you explain your fishing technique and how it might be different from that of other tenkara anglers?

Most tenkara anglers walk and fish in relatively low-pressure areas such as headwaters and general mountain streams, but I mainly fish in high-pressure areas such as the main stream of a village river. It is not easy to get fish to feed under such high pressure. How do we get such highly pressured fish to feed? The main focus of tenkara is to make the fish move and be active around the fly. The fish are attracted by sasoi, or the way the fly moves, which tickles their curiosity and makes them bite.

Are you testing or designing any new, unreleased tenkara rods with river peak (that you’re willing to talk about)?

Not available at this time.

Do you have any advice to someone who wants to learn how to fish tenkara?

Please just enjoy yourself. If you can enjoy tenkara fishing as a whole without worrying only about the results, I am sure you will have an enjoyable tenkara life.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I did not ask you about?

Recently, I have been teaching tenkara classes hosted by river peak. I would like more people to experience the joy of tenkara.

Thank you for your time, we appreciate you allowing us to meet you and wish you well on your future fishing outings!

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Editors Note: Additional thanks to Ichi Katsumoto for facilitating and translating this interview with Kojiro-san.

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