Company: Tenryu Co., Ltd. · Location: Iida City, Nagano, Japan · Category: Slow pitch and slow jigging rods
Tenryu is a Japanese rod maker with more than 60 years of history, a strong made-in-Japan focus and its own blank technology, including carbon nanotube (CNT) material and a process it calls Magna Flex. Its flagship slow jigging rod is the Horizon Progressive. The versatile Horizon MJ stands out because Tenryu publishes separate jig ratings for high-pitch and slow-jerk jigging on each model. The original Horizon SL, Tenryu’s first dedicated slow pitch rod, was discontinued in January 2023.
This review covers each series, how to choose a model, and how to buy Tenryu rods from the US.
Company overview
Tenryu is named after the nearby Tenryu River. Its history, from the company’s own timeline:
– 1961: founded as Shiozawa Seisakusho, making hexagonal bamboo rods
– 1963: fiberglass rods
– 1970: Japan’s first domestic bass rod, made with a US partner
– 1978: carbon rods (and golf shafts)
– 1990: became Tenryu Co., Ltd.
– 2018: Good Design Award for the “Fuurai Bozu” tenkara rod
Tenryu stresses in-house production by skilled craftsmen in Japan, and says its bamboo hexagon rods were long-selling bestsellers in the US.
At a glance
| Location | Iida City, Nagano, Japan |
| Flagship slow jigging rod | Horizon Progressive (HPG) |
| Versatile jigging rod | Horizon MJ (HMJ): high-pitch and slow-jerk ratings |
| Discontinued | Horizon SL (January 2023) |
| Technology | CNT carbon, Magna Flex, Torzite and SiC K guides, Nishijin reel seat textile |
| US availability | Japanese importers; no official US distributor found |
Horizon Progressive (HPG): the flagship
The Horizon Progressive uses CNT material and Tenryu’s Magna Flex process, titanium-frame K guides with Torzite rings, and a Nishijin textile reel seat, a traditional Kyoto woven fabric. Tenryu describes it as having “improved handleability and durability” with an “ergonomic design with minimum decoration.”
| Model | Length | Weight | Best / max jig | PE | Max drag | Japan list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPG66B-ML | 6’6″ | 121 g | 100 / 150 g | 0.6–1.5 | 4.0 kg | ¥58,500 |
| HPG66B-M | 6’6″ | 125 g | 150 / 200 g | 0.8–2 | 5.0 kg | ¥59,000 |
| HPG66B-MH | 6’6″ | 139 g | 180 / 230 g | 0.8–2 | 5.5 kg | ¥60,000 |
| HPG66B-H | 6’6″ | 150 g | 250 / 300 g | 0.8–2.5 | 5.5 kg | ¥60,500 |
| HPG612S-M | 1.86 m | 109 g | 150 / 200 g | max 2 | 5.0 kg | ¥60,500 |
| HPG632S-ML | 1.90 m | 112 g | 120 / 150 g | max 2 | 3.0 kg | ¥60,500 |
| HPG642S-LL | 1.93 m | 97 g | 60 / 100 g | max 1.5 | 2.5 kg | ¥60,500 |
Official Tenryu specs; list prices excluding tax. “B” = baitcasting (one piece), “S” = spinning.
Images: Tenryu
Tenryu labels the HPG66B baitcasting models as slow light, slow medium, slow medium-heavy and slow heavy, and calls the HPG632S-ML “slow jigging-specialized.” The spinning models suit anglers who prefer spinning reels, and light work to about 100 m.
Retail: JDM Tackle Heaven lists the HPG66B series at ¥61,600–¥63,800, all sold out in September 2026.
For Florida: The HPG66B-H (250 g best, 300 g max) is the model for typical ledges. The lighter powers suit shallow reefs. The HPG tops out at 300 g, so it’s not for very deep, fast water.
Horizon MJ (HMJ): multi-purpose jigging with slow ratings
“MJ” stands for multi-purpose jigging, from high-pitch to slow. What makes it useful is that Tenryu gives two jig ratings: one for high-pitch jigging and a higher one for slow-jerk jigging. The Japanese page stresses slow-type jerks, and target species include grouper.
Features: Fuji K guides with stainless frames and SiC-S rings, Nishijin textile with a Fuji PULS reel seat, and CNT in the butt.
HMJ5101B: 5’10”, one piece
| Model | Weight | High-pitch jig | Slow-jerk jig | PE | Japan list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMJ5101B-L | 110 g | 60–120 g | 100–250 g | max 2 | ¥39,500 |
| HMJ5101B-ML | 115 g | 80–150 g | 120–300 g | max 2 | ¥40,000 |
| HMJ5101B-M | 120 g | 100–180 g | 150–350 g | max 2.5 | ¥40,500 |
| HMJ5101B-MH | 126 g | 120–200 g | 180–400 g | max 3 | ¥41,000 |
| HMJ5101B-H | 131 g | 150–250 g | 200–450 g | max 3 | ¥42,000 |
HMJ642B: 6’4″, two-piece grip joint
| Model | Weight | High-pitch jig | Slow-jerk jig | PE | Japan list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMJ642B-LL | 111 g | 40–100 g | 80–200 g | max 2 | ¥43,000 |
| HMJ642B-L | 114 g | 60–120 g | 100–250 g | max 2 | ¥43,500 |
| HMJ642B-ML | 119 g | 80–150 g | 120–300 g | max 2 | ¥44,000 |
| HMJ642B-M | 121 g | 100–180 g | 150–350 g | max 2.5 | ¥44,500 |
| HMJ642B-MH | 128 g | 120–200 g | 180–400 g | max 3 | ¥45,000 |
| HMJ642B-H | 131 g | 150–250 g | 200–450 g | max 3 | ¥45,500 |
Retail: JDM Tackle Heaven HMJ5101B-MH ¥45,100; Asian Portal Fishing HMJ642B-LL $450 (both sold out, September 2026).
For Florida: The Horizon MJ is the more useful Tenryu for deep water. The HMJ642B-MH or -H covers 180–450 g slow-jerk jigs, and the grip joint makes it easier to ship and travel with than a one-piece rod. The 5’10” HMJ5101B is a shorter option for crowded boats and short, snappy strokes.
Horizon SL: the original (discontinued)
The Horizon SL was Tenryu’s first dedicated slow pitch series, with a “highly elastic blank” for “slow-pitch jerks and long falls,” an unsanded blank for sensitivity, titanium K guides and a separable grip. It was discontinued in January 2023.
| Model | Best jig | PE | Japan list |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSL66B-ML | 100 g | 0.6–1.5 | ¥38,000 |
| HSL66B-M | 150 g | 0.8–2 | ¥38,500 |
| HSL66B-MH | 180 g | 0.8–2 | ¥39,000 |
| HSL66B-H | 250 g | 0.8–2.5 | ¥40,000 |
The Horizon Progressive HPG66B uses the same ML/M/MH/H power steps and best jig weights. That’s our observation, not an official statement that the HPG replaces the SL. If you’re looking for a Horizon SL, the HPG66B in the same power is the closest current rod.
Horizon LJ (light jigging)
The third-generation Horizon LJ is a light jigging series with some slow-jerk capability, not a dedicated slow pitch rod. Baitcasting models run 40–230 g (¥41,000–¥42,000), with Magna Flex tips on the “F” models. Consider it for lighter jigs on shallow reefs.
Choosing a Tenryu
| Your fishing | Best Tenryu |
|---|---|
| Premium slow pitch, typical ledges, 150–300 g | Horizon Progressive HPG66B-MH or -H |
| Slow pitch in deep water and current, up to 450 g | Horizon MJ HMJ642B-MH or -H |
| Short rod, snappy strokes, small boats | Horizon MJ HMJ5101B |
| Spinning slow jigging | Horizon Progressive HPG632S-ML or HPG612S-M |
| Light jigging on shallow reefs | Horizon LJ |
Buying Tenryu from the US
We didn’t find an official US distributor. Options:
– JDM Tackle Heaven: Horizon Progressive, Horizon MJ and Horizon SL listings. Ships from Japan with 4–5 business days handling; import duties are the buyer’s responsibility. EMS, DHL or FedEx recommended.
– Asian Portal Fishing: Horizon MJ; free US shipping over $140.
– Plat, North-One Tackle and Japan Lure Shop: Tenryu offshore rods.
– Saltywater Tackle (NJ) sells Tenryu’s JIG-ZAM power jigging rods.
– Johnny Jigs (Pompano Beach) has had a Tenryu listing. Call (954) 889-4915 to check current stock.
Most Tenryu slow pitch listings were sold out in September 2026, so be ready to wait for a restock or place a back order.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made in Japan with in-house blank technology (CNT, Magna Flex)
- Horizon Progressive with Torzite guides and Nishijin reel seat
- Horizon MJ gives separate slow-jerk ratings, up to 450 g
- Grip-joint Horizon MJ 642 is easy to travel with
- Spinning slow jigging models available
- Light rods (97–150 g)
Cons
- No official US distributor
- Frequently sold out
- Horizon Progressive tops out at 300 g
- Import duties and oversize shipping add cost
- The original Horizon SL is discontinued
Tenryu vs. other slow pitch rods
| Rod | Length | Slow jig range | Japan / US price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenryu Horizon Progressive HPG66B-H | 6’6″ | 250 g best, 300 g max | ¥60,500 |
| Tenryu Horizon MJ HMJ642B-H | 6’4″ | 200–450 g | ¥45,500 |
| Xesta Slow Emotion Short Pitch Jerk | 5’10” | ~100–250 g average | about $250 plus duty |
| Yamaga Galahad Slow Global 584 | 5’8″ | 300–500 g | $440–$509.99 |
| Evergreen Poseidon Slow Jerker | 6’3″ | 150–300 g (PSLJ603-6) | ¥82,500 |
Where to buy Tenryu slow pitch rods
- JDM Tackle Heaven · jdmtackleheaven.com
- Asian Portal Fishing · asianportal-fishing.com
- Plat (Japan) · plat.co.jp
- Japan Lure Shop · japanlureshop.com
- Johnny Jigs, Pompano Beach, FL · (954) 889-4915: call for Tenryu stock
- Tenryu (official) · fishing.tenryu-magna.com
Verdict
Tenryu makes some of Japan’s most refined slow jigging rods. The Horizon Progressive is a premium, very light rod for 100–300 g jigs. The Horizon MJ is the more practical choice for Florida, with slow-jerk ratings up to 450 g, a grip-joint option and a lower price. Both are Japanese imports that are often sold out, so buying one takes patience.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Build quality 5/5 · Sensitivity 5/5 · Range for deep water 4/5 (MJ) · Value 4/5 · US availability 2/5
FAQ
What is Tenryu’s slow pitch rod?
The Horizon Progressive (HPG) is the flagship. The Horizon MJ also has separate slow-jerk jig ratings. The original Horizon SL was discontinued in January 2023.
What’s the heaviest Tenryu slow jigging rod?
The Horizon MJ HMJ5101B-H and HMJ642B-H are rated for 200–450 g slow-jerk jigs.
Can I buy Tenryu rods in the US?
Mainly through Japanese importers such as JDM Tackle Heaven and Asian Portal Fishing. We didn’t find an official US distributor.
Where is Tenryu made?
Iida City, Nagano, Japan.
Details were checked against fishing.tenryu-magna.com, tenryu-magna.com, JDM Tackle Heaven and Asian Portal Fishing on September 26, 2026.