REBEL WITH A CAUSE

Inside Division Rebel Tackles Headquarters

The story of Tomoya Shirakawa, founder and designer of Division Rebel Tackles (DRT) is no doubt an inspiring one. In just about a decade in running his brand, DRT has quickly built a cult-like global following, but like all great things, it didn't happen overnight. DRT, in my eyes, is unquestionably Japan's rising and influential fishing tackle brand. From its bold and edgy/punk aesthetic, taste for good design, and its attention to detail in its products and services, these shared values is what caught my attention nearly 9 years ago.

Our very own, Takakazu Yamazaki TAKES US INSIDE Division Rebel Tackles Headquarters AND SITS DOWN WITH Tomoya ShirakawA FOR AN INTERVIEW here.

-Lloyd Gomez

The front entry way into DRT's HQ. adjacent to Lake Biwa. 

Tomoya Shirakawa, founder and designer of Division Rebel Tackles.

Tomoya and Takakazu sit inside the DRT conference room.

One of several workstations.

An array of DRT Klash colorways and some other heavy hitters on display.

Slaps and Zines from the likes of LDC, Swimbait Underground, Working Class Zero, DRT, and Low Bite.

Cool Fish art and Cult Lake visuals adorn the office walls.

DRT is design.

A pair of Polks, aka Black Diamond Rays, are housed in a fairly sized acrylic tank.

Tomoya on the rod lathe.

Create. Destroy. Rebuild.

One bait at a time. What blows my mind is his consistency.

This is literally across the street from HQ.

Lake B in the distance.

Research and Development.

HF testing baits. 

Meet DRT Field Staff, Hiroshi Fujiwara @hiroshi_drtcrew.

DRT Vision.

Tomoya on the test pool.

Assorted USDM models found in Tomoya's office collection.

“ALL OR NOTHING.”