Lake Biwa, located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is the country’s largest and oldest freshwater lake—estimated to be over four million years old. It has long been central to Japan’s culture, ecology, and economy, providing water, transportation, and food resources for centuries. The lake supports a rich ecosystem with many endemic species and has been protected as a UNESCO Ramsar wetland site.
In the context of global bass fishing, Lake Biwa has become a legendary destination. Originally home only to native species, it became internationally known after largemouth bass were introduced in the 1970s. Over time, the bass population flourished, turning Biwa into one of the world’s premier trophy-bass fisheries. In 2009, angler Manabu Kurita caught a 22-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass there—tying the world record set in the United States—catapulting Lake Biwa into global bass fishing fame.
Today, Lake Biwa continues to attract anglers and industry attention worldwide. It has influenced the Japanese tackle and lure market, inspiring innovations in finesse fishing techniques and high-quality gear that have reshaped modern bass fishing on an international scale.
