Winter 2026
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THE PAST:
A BRAND BUILT ON CRAFTSMANSHIP
Long before its name became synonymous with high- performance tackle, Daiwa began as a small manufacturer in Tokyo, Japan, established in 1955. By 1966, the company had planted its roots in the United States, marking nearly six decades on American soil. While the brand’s U.S. footprint has moved through Culver City, Garden Grove, Cerritos, Cypress and beyond, Daiwa has primarily been California- based, now operating from its 70,000-square-foot facility in Foothill Ranch.
Senior Marketing Manager, Marc Mills, weighs in on the Daiwa path from the beginning to now and beyond. Here is what he shared with WesternBass.
From the start, Daiwa separated itself in one key way: it manufactured its own equipment. Not just some of it; but at least, 90 percent of Daiwa rods and reels, are built in its own factories across Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Korea. In an industry where outsourcing is standard, this commitment to in-house production became Daiwa’s signature.
The brand’s history is also visible through its evolving logos that started with the vintage sunburst, to the red- white-blue block text, to the modern DVEC “forward arrow,” mirroring the brand’s philosophy: constant movement forward.
THE PRESENT:
INNOVATION AT FULL SPEED
Today, Daiwa is a global conglomerate called Globeride Corporation for outdoor lifestyle products. Daiwa stands as one of the most technologically driven companies in fishing – a true manufacturing powerhouse. Regional sites exist in Asia including China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, as well as Oceania, which includes Australia and New Zealand and European locals which encompass France, Italy, Scandanavia, UK, Germany, Russia and Spain and of course the United States.
The company produces a wide spectrum of outdoor gear including cycling and golf, however in the U.S., the brand is fishing-centric with rods, reels, line, lures and fishing accessories. from accessible baseline fishing gear to the highest-end angling equipment. Daiwa could be
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