Mermaid fly rod made in Japan

Question
I have a bamboo fly rod in a light weight wood box with part of a decal still intact. The label reads MERMAID ?, Fishing tackle, made in Japan, Sakurai %26 CO.,LTD, Manufacturers %26 exporters of fishing equipment, 1-6 KAJI-CHO,KANDA,TOKYO,JAPAN.
Inside there are (5)pcs. The rod handle, (2)middle sections, (2) rod tips. Can you give me more info about this set or direct me if possible to a new site. Thank You! JIM

Answer
Jim; I am not an expert on fishing tackle either old or new.  My expertise is in fishing.  About all I can tell you about your rods is that unless they are marked "made in  Occupied Japan" they are likely worth little as collectors items.  When I was in Japan in 1955 I bought some rods. Since 1955 was after the occupation ended they had very little value in the United States.  I used them until they were all broken and I threw them away.

You might find out something about them if you searched the web for "antique fishing tackle" Or you might write to the Bassmaster magazine for the editor of antique tackle.  He has a page every month and seems very knowledgeable on such things. I do not remember his name but you can look at a late edition of the magazine and get the name and where to send your question.

I am sorry I couldn't be of more help but my expertise is in fishing not in knowing about antique tackle.  Thanks anyway for calling on me to try to answer your question.  If you have a question on fishing I might do a better job.

Jack L. Gaither    (JackfromSeminole)
Lake Seminole, Georgia.