Shimano Ocellus Pencil 85F/130F: One Topwater, Five Actions
minagiman
Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Tsuri Fes 2027: Japan’s Biggest Fishing Show Hits a Record 313 Exhibitors (22–24 January, Yokohama)
minagiman
For anglers, one of the biggest events at the start of the year in Japan is the Tsuri Fes (Fishing Festival), Japan’s largest fishing tackle show. Details of the 2027 show have been announced. A record 313 companies and organisations will exhibit, and with Jackall having just joined the Shimano group, the new-product announcements should be worth watching. If you are visiting Japan in January, here is what you need to know.
Tsuri Fes is organised by the Japan Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association. Makers show their new products first here, and there are talk shows by pro anglers and hands-on activities. This article is based on reporting in the Japanese trade paper Tsurigu Shimbun and the official Tsuri Fes website (as of October 2026). Check the official site for tickets and entry fees.
Tsuri Fes 2027 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tsuri Fes 2027 in Yokohama (Fishing Festival) |
| Dates | Friday 22 – Sunday 24 January 2027 (3 days) |
| Venue | Pacifico Yokohama, Exhibition Hall |
| Organiser | Japan Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association (Tsuri Fes Executive Committee) |
| Exhibitors | 313 companies and organisations, 930 booths (as of 2 October 2026) |
| Official site | tsurifest.com (exhibitor list published on 23 October 2026) |
That is the largest number of exhibitors in the show’s history. Because there are so many, the “Tsuri-meshi Stadium” food area will be outside, under the building’s pilotis.
Organiser events
| Event | What it is |
|---|---|
| Fishing-style stadiums | Areas grouping booths by type of fishing. A record 172 companies |
| Tsuri-meshi Stadium | Food made from fish, or inspired by fishing (outdoors) |
| Tsuri Fes Shrine and festival | Festival-style events |
| Fishing classes | For people about to start fishing |
| Casting live | Casting demonstrations |
| Trout fishing for kids | A popular family corner |
Exhibitors can book PR stages and casting areas in advance, so expect talks from pro anglers and casting demos of new products.
What to watch this year
1. Shimano and Jackall’s first show as a group
Jackall joined the Shimano group on 27 October 2026. This is the first big show since then, so it will be interesting to see what both companies announce.
2. 2027 new products
Tsuri Fes is where you can handle products that go on sale in spring and later, before anyone else. Being able to wind new reels and hold new rods, and check weight and feel for yourself, is the main attraction.
3. A focus on overseas visitors and social media
The organisers say they are improving support for overseas visitors and their social media presence, and advertising more widely, including posters in 72 Keikyu line stations.
New rules for exhibitors
- Rods may only be bent inside each company’s own booth, not in the aisles
- Capsule-toy (gacha) lotteries are limited to a special sales area
These rules are for safety and comfort in a crowded hall. Visitors should also avoid swinging rods in the aisles or blocking them.
Tips for visiting
Before you go
- Check the exhibitor list: make a list of the brands you want to see
- Check stage schedules: note the times of talks you want to hear
- Wear comfortable shoes: the halls are big and you will walk all day
- Travel light: bring a tote bag for catalogues and freebies
- Go early or late: popular booths get busy around midday
At the show
- Wind the reels you are interested in and compare weight and feel
- Hold the rods and check balance and grip
- Ask staff about how products are used and developed
- With family, try the trout fishing and the food area
How to plan your visit
| If you are… | Plan |
|---|---|
| Here for new products | Head to the big brands first thing. Popular reels and rods get crowded before lunch |
| Into one type of fishing | Focus on that fishing-style stadium to compare brands side by side |
| Here for pro talks | Check each company’s stage schedule and move around it |
| With family | Combine trout fishing, fishing classes and the food area |
| New to fishing | Ask for advice at the fishing classes and beginner-friendly booths |
The first day, Friday 22 January, may be a little quieter. Weekends are expected to be crowded, so narrow it down to three to five must-see booths. Catalogues for 2027 are often handed out, which is a great way to check the new lineups.
January in Yokohama is cold, so bring a jacket and gloves if you want to eat outside. Inside, the hall gets warm with the crowds, so wear layers you can take off.
Buying at the show
There may be limited items and special sales corners. But most new products go on sale in spring or later, so note the release date and price of anything you like, and compare once it is out.
My take
2026 was a year of big moves in the tackle industry, led by Shimano and Jackall joining forces. Tsuri Fes 2027 will show how each maker responds. A record number of exhibitors also says the industry is in good health. If you are in Japan in late January, it is one of the best chances to handle next season’s tackle in one place.
Read next
- Jackall Joins the Shimano Group
- JDM Fishing Lures: Japanese Tackle Brands
- Shimano vs Daiwa Spinning Reels (2026)
ABOUT ME
Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.
