Major League Fishing Expands to Japan: MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series 2025

Major League Fishing partners with Eisaku Kato to introduce its tournament format to Japan, creating new opportunities for Japanese bass anglers.
Major League Fishing (MLF) partners with Eisaku Kato to launch the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series in 2025.
Major League Fishing (MLF) partners with Eisaku Kato to launch the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series in 2025. / Major League Fishing

In a recent article, I covered the international division of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Championship. At the time, there were impressive 18 countries around the globe partnered with MLF. But I couldn’t help thinking one obvious powerhouse bass fishing country was absent—Japan.

Eisaku Kato: The Visionary Behind MLF Japan

But now, with the expertise of veteran Japanese tournament organizer Eisaku Kato, MLF will launch the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series in 2025, bringing its unique catch-weigh-release format to one of the most passionate bass fishing communities on the planet.

Eisaku Kato: The Visionary Behind MLF JapanKato, the force behind Big Mouth Club (BMC) for over 30 years, has hosted top-tier tournaments on Japan’s legendary fisheries, including Lake Kasumigaura and the Tone River system. Now, with MLF backing, BMC’s legacy enters a new chapter, offering Japanese anglers a chance to compete on a global stage.

Eisaku Kato on a lake holding up a big largemouth bass he caught
Eisaku Kato: The Visionary Behind MLF Kasumi BMC Series and the force behind Big Mouth Club (BMC) for over 30 years / Eisaku Kato

“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 Toyota Series Championship: A Pathway for Japanese Anglers

The first MLF Japan tournament launches in March 2025, with winners earning a chance to compete at the MLF Toyota Series Championship. There, they will be fishing for a top prize of up to $235,000, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus, plus a $10,000 international bonus, and an invitation to fish REDCREST – MLF’s most prestigious event – for a top prize of $300,000.

“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

  1. March 22 -Round 1 -Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura
  2. April 19-20 -Round 2 -Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura
  3. June 14-15 -Round 3 -Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura
  4. July 26-27 -Open -Lake Biwa
  5. Aug. 30 -Round 4 -Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura
  6. Sept. 27-28 -Round 5 -Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura
  7. Nov. 8 -Classic -Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura

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Kurt Mazurek
KURT MAZUREK

Kurt Mazurek writes about all things fishing and the fishing lifestyle for Sports Illustrated. He has had a successful career in the fishing industry, developing marketing and creative content for many of the sport’s most recognizable brands. He is an enthusiastic bass tournament competitor, YouTuber, photographer, and is the author of the novel "Personal Best: fishing and life”