Nissin Air Stage Fujiryu 360 (5:5)

Made in Japan.

A Tenkara Rod For Traditional Tenkara

The Air Stage Fujiryu is a beautifully crafted Tenkara rod that excels at what we would call traditional Tenkara, casting a kebari fly with a light 3.0 level line or a traditional furled line. Using the Fujiryu in a mountain stream or a pefect Tenkara creek really makes you feel that you are practicing Tenkara in its purest form. This is a rod that gently casts and lands dry flies almost as if you were dropping them onto the spot.

With an RFI of 3.4 and CCS rating of 12.5 pennies, the Fujiryu is definitely a soft action rod. The Fujiryu can throw light nymphs (#16 and above size), but it really shines with dry and kebari presentations. This is why we carry the 5:5, it’s the most popular of the Fujiryu actions.

The other benefit of the action is its ability to protect light tippet. While Nissin lists this rod with a Harris rating of .8-1.2 which translastes, directionally, to 5X-3.5X, the reality is the 5:5 acion can partner with 6X and 7X tippet, which is perfect for finicky little wild trout.

This rod is a perfect complement to Keiryu or faster action Tenkara rods.

Wood Not Cork

The handle on the Fujiryu is cypress wood that feels like it’s been polished with 500 grit fine sandpaper, it is very smooth. The handle is 7 inches long and features a straight, slightly tapered design that has no concave inward curves to it. For those used to cork, the handle will feel different at first, but it grows on you very quickly.

Overall, the handle is very comfortable. It’s not too thick or thin (about 1” at its midpoint). All in all, this handle fits the personality of the rod.

Aesthetics / Fit n’ Finish

The fit n’ finish on this rod is top of the line Nissin. We especially love the all metal (stainless steel) screw cap. The stainless steel theme is carried to the winding check. On the front end there is a protective plastic tip cap vs. a rod plug, that stays on securely.

In terms of its aesthetic design, the Fujiryu features a jam/plum color. For those wine drinkers, think cabernet. The lettering and logo are in gold bronze and the contrast is aesthetically very pleasing. Finally, maroon stripes occupy the top few inches of the rod. While we don’t love the maroon, the color scheme works.

Outdoors and in the sun, the rod has a beautiful, elegant look to it. When the light hits the rod, you may also notice a reflective red line running down the rod, it’s as if there is an inner energy in the rod itself. Pretty cool.

Final Thoughts

The Air Stage Fujiryu 5:5 is an excellent soft action tenkara rod that makes a statement as beautifuly made rod for traditional Tenkara fishing with dry and kebari flies.