Japanese Slow Pitch Jigging Specialists
SPJ Laboratories is a specialized fishing tackle shop based in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on Japanese slow pitch jigging and offshore fishing equipment.
We offer a carefully selected range of DEEP LINER jigs, rods, reels, assist hooks, fishing lines, and other specialized tackle.
Every fishing product is developed with a particular purpose and philosophy. However, the ideas behind its design and the techniques needed to use it effectively are not always fully understood by anglers.
Through longstanding relationships with Norihiro Sato and Masayoshi Higashimura, SPJ Laboratories has gained a deeper understanding of their fishing theories and tackle development philosophies.
Our role is to communicate these ideas as accurately as possible and help anglers understand how to select and use specialized equipment for their own fishing conditions.
Beyond selling tackle, we have also participated in fishing seminars, offshore trips, and technical exchanges that connect Japanese jigging knowledge with anglers around the world.
The Evolution of Japanese Slow Pitch Jigging
Modern Japanese jigging has evolved through the study of fish behavior and the development of techniques and equipment designed to reproduce the movements of prey underwater.
Two influential figures in this evolution are Norihiro Sato and Masayoshi Higashimura.
Norihiro Sato — Understanding Fish Behavior Through Jigging
Norihiro Sato is a pioneering Japanese angler known for developing spiral jerk and slow pitch jerk techniques.
His approach began with observing how predatory fish attack schools of baitfish and respond to injured or weakened prey.
When predators strike a school of baitfish, some escape rapidly, while others may become disoriented, spiral through the water, or slowly sink after being injured.
Sato sought to reproduce these different movements through jigging techniques and specialized metal jigs.
One of his most important insights was the significance of the falling action.
Chasing fast-moving prey requires energy. In contrast, weakened baitfish sinking slowly through the water may provide predators with an opportunity to feed with less effort.
Sato recognized the potential of this behavior and developed techniques that emphasize the movement of a jig during its fall, rather than relying only on upward jerking motions.
Reproducing the subtle, nearly horizontal fall of a weakened baitfish requires precise coordination of rod action, reel operation, line tension, and jig design.
Through his work with EVERGREEN and other tackle development projects, Sato has contributed to specialized rods such as the Slow Jerker, Long Fall Jerker, and Real Jerker, as well as metal jigs including Caprice and SATOU JIG.
His approach demonstrates how understanding fish behavior can lead to new fishing techniques and more specialized equipment.
Masayoshi Higashimura — The Development Philosophy Behind DEEP LINER
Masayoshi Higashimura is an experienced Japanese fishing captain and a developer of DEEP LINER jigs, rods, and reels.
Building on his extensive experience at sea, Higashimura studied Sato's understanding of fish behavior and slow pitch jerk theory, applying these principles to his own tackle development.
The philosophy behind DEEP LINER is simple:
Make jigging easier, less physically demanding, and more accessible to anglers.
The delicate jig movements pursued by Sato require exceptional skill and sensitivity to underwater conditions.
Higashimura's objective has been to develop equipment that makes these intended actions easier for a wider range of anglers to reproduce, rather than depending entirely on the technique of a highly skilled individual.
Central to this philosophy are two principles: understanding the underwater environment and selecting equipment suited to the conditions.
Water depth, current, fish activity, and feeding behavior influence how a jig should move.
DEEP LINER has therefore developed jigs with different action characteristics, including VB, CX, FB, SPY, and Spindle, allowing anglers to adjust their approach to changing conditions.
Equally important is the ability to feel what is happening underwater.
The LOGICAL rod series emphasizes sensitivity and control, helping anglers detect changes in current and understand how their jigs are responding.
The DEEP LINER TERA reel was also developed with an emphasis on mechanical simplicity, direct feedback, and sensitivity.
Together, these products reflect a consistent philosophy: understand the underwater conditions, select the appropriate equipment, and make effective jig actions easier to reproduce.
Our Role — Connecting Tackle Development with Anglers
At SPJ Laboratories, we focus on communicating the original purpose and technical characteristics of Japanese jigging equipment.
Our longstanding relationships with Norihiro Sato and Masayoshi Higashimura have provided opportunities to learn directly about the thinking behind their fishing techniques and product development.
We believe that understanding why a product was developed is just as important as understanding its specifications.
For example, an angler preparing for deep-water amberjack fishing may require a very different tackle setup from someone targeting tuna or fishing in strong currents.
Our approach is to understand the angler's target species, fishing location, conditions, and existing equipment, then explain suitable product characteristics and tackle combinations.
We respect the skills and experience of individual anglers. Our responsibility is not to promise results, but to provide accurate product information and help anglers make informed decisions about their equipment.
We have also participated in offshore fishing trips with customers, visits to DEEP LINER with international anglers, and overseas jigging seminars involving Masayoshi Higashimura.
These activities help us communicate Japanese jigging techniques and tackle development philosophies beyond product descriptions alone.
Our Tackle Selection
SPJ Laboratories focuses on fishing equipment selected for specific techniques, target species, and offshore conditions.
Our range includes specialized DEEP LINER metal jigs and rods, as well as reels, fishing lines, assist hooks, and accessories from other established manufacturers.
We consider how each product is intended to perform and how it can fit into an angler's overall tackle setup.
We also offer exclusive custom-color DEEP LINER jigs developed through our own product planning.
Our aim is to help anglers find equipment suited to the fishing they want to pursue, supported by a clear understanding of its design and intended use.
International Orders and Shipping
For eligible international orders, SPJ Laboratories provides tracked shipping options, primarily using DHL Express.
We take particular care when preparing fishing rods for shipment, using reinforced packaging and additional rod-tip protection to reduce the risk of transportation damage.
Product availability and shipping options may vary depending on the destination.
Wholesale Opportunities in North & South America
SPJ Laboratories is authorized by DEEP LINER to supply its products to fishing tackle retailers and distributors in North and South America.
Through these wholesale activities, we maintain relationships with overseas fishing tackle businesses and anglers who share an interest in Japanese slow pitch jigging.
Businesses interested in DEEP LINER wholesale opportunities are welcome to contact us.
Contact Us for Wholesale Inquiries
| Company | SPJ Laboratories |
| Address | Yasuda Building 2A, Minami-Naruse 1-4-12, Machida, Tokyo, 194-0045, Japan |
| TEL | +81-90-3223-3703 |