If you’re planning to fish in Japan—or even just chat with local anglers—you’ll likely hear some unique words that don’t exist in English. Many of these phrases come from cultural references, jokes, or Buddhist terms, making them tricky to understand without context.
Knowing a few of these expressions can help you connect better with Japanese fishing communities, avoid confusion, and even share a laugh when things don’t go as planned!
Let’s look at some popular Japanese fishing slang you might hear on the water.
🎯 Bozu (坊主)
This one is similar to what English-speaking anglers call a “blank” or “skunked”—meaning you didn’t catch anything that day.
But the Japanese origin is a bit of a pun! Bozu literally means “monk,” referring to a Buddhist monk’s shaved head with “no hair.” In fishing slang, no hair = no catch. It’s a humorous way of saying you went home empty-handed.
🐟 Gedo (外道)
Originally a Buddhist term meaning “outside the main path,” gedo in fishing refers to fish that aren’t your main target—what some anglers might call “bycatch” or “unwanted guests.”
These days, many Japanese anglers prefer calling them “guests” instead, as a softer and more appreciative term. After all, even if it’s not the species you were aiming for, it’s still a catch worth respecting.
🎊 Omatsuri (おまつり)
In everyday Japanese, omatsuri means “festival,” but in fishing, it has a totally different meaning.
When your fishing line gets badly tangled with someone else’s, it’s called an omatsuri. Some say it comes from a sewing term meaning “to stitch together,” while others believe it’s because the noisy, chaotic mess looks like the lively atmosphere of a festival. Either way, it’s something you don’t want to deal with too often!
Why Learn These Terms?
Understanding these words isn’t just about language—it’s about appreciating the culture and humor that Japanese anglers bring to the sport. Whether you’re fishing with locals, visiting a tackle shop in Japan, or just curious about fishing traditions around the world, these phrases can help you feel more connected.
Want to see more fun Japanese fishing slang? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll share even more in a part two!
Until then—tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣
📝 Quick Glossary
- Bozu (坊主) → “Blank / Skunked” (no catch)
- Gedo (外道) → Bycatch or non-target fish (now sometimes called “guests”)
- Omatsuri (おまつり) → A bad line tangle (literally means “festival” in everyday Japanese)
1 comment
Excelente explicación y muy importante par los que amamos este deporte