Japanese fly rod

Question
A few years ago I aquired a fly rod.It is in a box marked Sakura .The rod is a three piece with two extra tips.It is marked Ocean Brand.Can you give me any info on this rod?
                                                                               Thx

Answer
Hi Bryan,

Sakura is one of the brand names used on rods made in occupied Japan after WW II ended.  These rods were mass produced for export and pretty much every US serviceman that went through Japan also sent them home to friends and relatives.  Like any mass produced item, most are average performing rods toward the lower end of the scale.  Also, like any mass produced item, you can find examples that perform quite well.  The rods don't have a lot of collector value typically selling in the $25-$50 range for a boxed set.  They are rising somewhat in value because there are less and less antique rods and these are still plentiful.  One of the extra tips may be heavier and is intended to be used with only the butt section to form a casting rod.  The handle likely has ferrules fitted at both ends so it can be reversed for fly or casting rod use.

Thanks,  Joe