Eisaku Kato to Operate MLF Events in Japan through New Partnership, MLF Japan Will Launch Kasumi BMC Series in 2025
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today an exclusive licensing agreement with Eisaku Kato to operate MLF events in Japan. Through this partnership, Kato will introduce the MLF format to Japanese anglers starting in 2025 with the launch of the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series.
Kato, a long-time advocate for bass fishing in Japan, is the current owner of Big Mouth Club (BMC), and has supported BMC tournaments for many years through his company Bass Pro Support. For over 30 years, BMC has hosted tournaments at some of Japan’s largest and most prestigious fisheries, including the expansive Lake Kasumigaura and the Tone River system. Last year, 90 boaters and co-anglers participated in these events, which have become a staple of the Japanese bass fishing community. BMC’s transition to the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series marks an exciting new chapter in the organization’s legacy, with plans to expand tournament offerings nationwide in the coming years.
“We are thrilled to join the MLF family and bring the MLF format to Japan,” said Eisaku Kato, President of MLF Japan. “This partnership will offer Japanese anglers new and exciting opportunities to compete on the world stage, and I’m confident it will help connect us with the global fishing community. We look forward to working with MLF to create an unforgettable tournament experience for Japanese anglers.”
MLF Japan will debut its first tournament in March of 2025 and will provide anglers the opportunity to advance and compete in the International Division at the MLF Toyota Series Championship. With the addition of Japan, MLF now operates in 20 countries worldwide, further solidifying its position as the global authority in competitive bass fishing.
The top pro award at the Toyota Series Championship is up to $235,000, along with an invitation to REDCREST – the MLF Bass Pro Tour Championship. The top Strike King co-angler award is a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The highest finishing pro from the International Division at the Toyota Series Championship will also be awarded a $10,000 bonus as well as qualification into REDCREST and the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals.
“Adding Japan to our list of international partners is an exciting step forward for Major League Fishing,” said Dave Washburn, Vice President of Operations at MLF. “The passion and dedication of Japanese anglers are second to none, and we are eager to bring an MLF presence to this thriving fishing community. With Eisaku Kato’s leadership, the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series will provide a premier platform for Japanese anglers to showcase their skills and connect with the global MLF network of anglers.”
2025 MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Schedule:
March 22 Round 1 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
April 19-20 Round 2 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
June 14-15 Round 3 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
July 26-27 Open Lake Biwa
Aug. 30 Round 4 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
Sept. 27-28 Round 5 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
Nov. 8 Classic Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
For more information about the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series, visit MLFJapan.com. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and its international partners, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube .