Yoshiro Hattori

1929 - 2011
2010 Inductee
Yoshiro Hattori was one of the first to introduce the concept of recreational angling to the people of Japan. Born near the ocean in Yokohama, Hattori began fishing with a hand line while in elementary school, searching Tokyo Bay for anything edible, including sole and rockfish. At ten years of age he went on his first charter boat trip. In addition to being memorable, that very first trip was significant: Hattori hooked a 10-pound flounder, and from that day on the sport had its hooks in him. Hattori attended the School of Law at Waseda University, graduating in 1951. By this time party boats were quite common in Japan, and he became a regular participant on these trips. The vessels were captained by seasoned commercial fishermen, and Hattori eagerly took advantage of their skills and knowledge to learn all he could about Japan’s fish species and the best techniques for catching them. In 1952 Yoshiro Hattori began writing for the monthly fishing magazine Mizu No Shumi (Water Hobby). He was allowed to choose his own topics as long as he kept his articles to four pages, and he dedicated most of his pieces to the subject of boat fishing. A full-time job at the Yomiuri Movie Company soon followed. The company was affiliated with the media conglomerate Yomiuri which was known for its newspaper interests, and the position was a perfect fit for the young writer. During the two years he spent there he directed and served as host of the new television program Fishing in Japan. The 15-minute shows were broadcast on national television and were some of the first to highlight the exciting sportfishing opportunities available in the country. The pioneering Fishing in Japan paved the way for the television program that made Yoshiro Hattori a household word in Japan: the highly popular series 11 PM. Every Friday evening, beginning in 1965 and running until 1988, he brought detailed reports of his fishing adventures and travels, in his native land and in many mysterious and remote overseas locales, into peoples’ living rooms. Viewers were enthralled by what they were seeing and what they were hearing from the enthusiastic and cordial program host. An interest in recreational fishing took hold in Japan, and the number of people taking part in the activity began increasing. One episode of 11 PM was indeed groundbreaking, for it was on this show that Yoshiro Hattori first introduced the concept of catch-and-release to Japan’s anglers. Convincing his countrymen of the necessity of this practice has been an ongoing mission for Hattori, for the catch-all-you-can philosophy is deeply rooted in the Japanese culture. But he continues to persevere, knowing how imperative conservation is for the future of all fisheries. In 1979, the Japan Game Fish Association was established. A founding member of that organization, Yoshiro Hattori today is a JGFA Member Emeritus. The development of the sport in Japan and the preservation of the country’s game fish have always been important concerns for Hattori. Within the JGFA’s framework he has promoted the IGFA’s rules and philosophy among Japan’s anglers, especially those who fish from boats. And as the JGFA has expanded its educational and outreach programs in the hopes of reaching new generations, Hattori has been instrumental in educating all about the importance of fisheries management and conservation. Yoshiro Hattori’s contributions have been many, and he continues to play an integral and indispensable role in Japan’s recreational angling arena. With his engaging personality and infectious optimism he remains highly respected by his peers and beloved by the general public. In recognition of a life dedicated to promoting the sport of angling and to preserving Japan’s game fish, the IGFA welcomes Yoshiro Hattori into the Fishing Hall of Fame.