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Kota Kawamura, who works as a professional bass fishing angler and serves as the CEO of a lure manufacturing company, excels in bank fishing (fishing from river banks or shore). Smooth access to various fields, including watersides, unpaved roads, and block embankments, is essential. Kawamura says, "With shoes equipped with Vibram soles, I can take 'one more step' without hesitation." For him, Vibram is a reliable partner that helps him achieve his goals in bass fishing.
ー How is the comfort of the DAIWA "FOGLER (DS-2301G)" fishing shoes, co-developed with Vibram?
Kawamura: Although I haven't worn every fishing shoe, I've tried many as a professional. The comfort of these shoes is outstanding.
ー What makes these shoes superior?
Kawamura: The shoes are very slip-resistant, which is crucial for shore fishing where you often walk and stand on sloped surfaces like concrete embankments, lava fields, and rocky areas. The soles provide excellent grip on various terrains and angles.
ー Do you notice an evolution from previous Vibram-equipped shoes?
Kawamura: Absolutely. The grip, flexibility, and lightness have significantly improved. The new sole design fits fishing scenarios perfectly, showcasing Vibram's high potential.
ー Do the safety and functionality of the shoes affect fishing results?
Kawamura: Definitely. For example, standing on a fallen tree near the water can help you get closer to fishing spots. Whether in private fishing or competitions, having functional and reliable shoes provides a significant advantage.
ー What is your approach to choosing fishing gear, including shoes?
Kawamura: I aim to use perfect gear, whether it's rods, reels, lures, or wearable items like shoes. I only use and recommend genuinely good products, even if they are from sponsors.
It's easy to talk about products I truly believe in, like the "FOGLER."
Kota Kawamura
Professional Angler / CEO of Bottomup Co., Ltd.
Born on February 14, 1979, in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. Joined a lure manufacturer in 2007. Became independent in July 2016 and established Bottomup Co., Ltd. in December of the same year. Also active as a bass pro staff member for Daiwa. Known for his exceptional strength in shore fishing competitions, including four victories in "Rikuo" (Lure Magazine). He channels the sensibilities developed in the field into lure development and promotes the appeal of bass fishing through media and events.
ー How is the comfort of the DAIWA "FOGLER (DS-2301G)" fishing shoes, co-developed with Vibram?
Kawamura: Although I haven't worn every fishing shoe, I've tried many as a professional. The comfort of these shoes is outstanding.
ー What makes these shoes superior?
Kawamura: The shoes are very slip-resistant, which is crucial for shore fishing where you often walk and stand on sloped surfaces like concrete embankments, lava fields, and rocky areas. The soles provide excellent grip on various terrains and angles.
ー Do you notice an evolution from previous Vibram-equipped shoes?
Kawamura: Absolutely. The grip, flexibility, and lightness have significantly improved. The new sole design fits fishing scenarios perfectly, showcasing Vibram's high potential.
ー Do the safety and functionality of the shoes affect fishing results?
Kawamura: Definitely. For example, standing on a fallen tree near the water can help you get closer to fishing spots. Whether in private fishing or competitions, having functional and reliable shoes provides a significant advantage.
ー What is your approach to choosing fishing gear, including shoes?
Kawamura: I aim to use perfect gear, whether it's rods, reels, lures, or wearable items like shoes. I only use and recommend genuinely good products, even if they are from sponsors.
It's easy to talk about products I truly believe in, like the "FOGLER."
Kota Kawamura
Professional Angler / CEO of Bottomup Co., Ltd.
Born on February 14, 1979, in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. Joined a lure manufacturer in 2007. Became independent in July 2016 and established Bottomup Co., Ltd. in December of the same year. Also active as a bass pro staff member for Daiwa. Known for his exceptional strength in shore fishing competitions, including four victories in "Rikuo" (Lure Magazine). He channels the sensibilities developed in the field into lure development and promotes the appeal of bass fishing through media and events.
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Kota Kawamura, a top angler in shore fishing for bass, continues to be active at the forefront. In the second half of the interview, we asked Kawamura about his current activities, his history as an angler, and his philosophy on manufacturing as the CEO of a lure manufacturing company.
ー Can you tell us about your current activities?
Kawamura: I have two main roles: as a professional angler and as a lure manufacturer. As a DAIWA bass pro staff member, I work on rod development and serve as an advisor and tester for fishing gear and apparel.
ー What was your impression of developing the DAIWA "FOGLER (DS-2301G)" fishing shoes with Vibram?
Kawamura: It was very enjoyable. Shoemaking is a completely different field from being a pro angler or lure manufacturer. I had always thought, as a customer, that it would be great to have certain types of shoes. Working on this project was a learning experience and very stimulating.
ー You mentioned earlier that the "FOGLER" turned out great...
Kawamura: Yes, I'm really glad to have been involved in bringing these shoes to market.
Kawamura: As a lure manufacturer, I believe in creating something better and new, rather than just replicating existing products. The "FOGLER" with Vibram soles is the best model for bass fishing today.
ー When did you first encounter bass fishing?
Kawamura: In second grade, my older cousin introduced me to it. The gear looked so cool. My first fishing spot was a nearby pond, and I vividly remember catching my first bass there.
ー Do you remember the lure you used?
Kawamura: Yes, it was a red "Sea Snake" minnow by DAIWA. My cousin recently brought me a different-colored model of the same lure, reminding me of that first catch.
ー You later started your own lure manufacturing company, right?
Kawamura: Yes, I founded Bottomup to create better products than the existing ones. This philosophy applies to our own products and collaborative projects like the "FOGLER." We aim to continue making better products in the future.
ー Lastly, what is your impression of Vibram soles?
Kawamura: As a pro angler and lure manufacturer, I can detect subtle differences when using lures and I can feel the underwater conditions.
Kawamura: Similarly, soles are crucial for conveying foot sensations. Vibram soles are reliable and have undoubtedly helped me in countless fishing situations.
Kota Kawamura
Professional Angler / CEO of Bottomup Co., Ltd.
Born on February 14, 1979, in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. Joined a lure manufacturer in 2007. Became independent in July 2016 and established Bottomup Co., Ltd. in December of the same year. Also active as a bass pro staff member for Daiwa. Known for his exceptional strength in shore fishing competitions, including four victories in "Rikuo" (Lure Magazine). He channels the sensibilities developed in the field into lure development and promotes the appeal of bass fishing through media and events.
ー Can you tell us about your current activities?
Kawamura: I have two main roles: as a professional angler and as a lure manufacturer. As a DAIWA bass pro staff member, I work on rod development and serve as an advisor and tester for fishing gear and apparel.
ー What was your impression of developing the DAIWA "FOGLER (DS-2301G)" fishing shoes with Vibram?
Kawamura: It was very enjoyable. Shoemaking is a completely different field from being a pro angler or lure manufacturer. I had always thought, as a customer, that it would be great to have certain types of shoes. Working on this project was a learning experience and very stimulating.
ー You mentioned earlier that the "FOGLER" turned out great...
Kawamura: Yes, I'm really glad to have been involved in bringing these shoes to market.
Kawamura: As a lure manufacturer, I believe in creating something better and new, rather than just replicating existing products. The "FOGLER" with Vibram soles is the best model for bass fishing today.
ー When did you first encounter bass fishing?
Kawamura: In second grade, my older cousin introduced me to it. The gear looked so cool. My first fishing spot was a nearby pond, and I vividly remember catching my first bass there.
ー Do you remember the lure you used?
Kawamura: Yes, it was a red "Sea Snake" minnow by DAIWA. My cousin recently brought me a different-colored model of the same lure, reminding me of that first catch.
ー You later started your own lure manufacturing company, right?
Kawamura: Yes, I founded Bottomup to create better products than the existing ones. This philosophy applies to our own products and collaborative projects like the "FOGLER." We aim to continue making better products in the future.
ー Lastly, what is your impression of Vibram soles?
Kawamura: As a pro angler and lure manufacturer, I can detect subtle differences when using lures and I can feel the underwater conditions.
Kawamura: Similarly, soles are crucial for conveying foot sensations. Vibram soles are reliable and have undoubtedly helped me in countless fishing situations.
Kota Kawamura
Professional Angler / CEO of Bottomup Co., Ltd.
Born on February 14, 1979, in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. Joined a lure manufacturer in 2007. Became independent in July 2016 and established Bottomup Co., Ltd. in December of the same year. Also active as a bass pro staff member for Daiwa. Known for his exceptional strength in shore fishing competitions, including four victories in "Rikuo" (Lure Magazine). He channels the sensibilities developed in the field into lure development and promotes the appeal of bass fishing through media and events.
