Madake-Phyllostachys bambusoides- is one of the most common bamboos in Japan. "MA" means "real" or "general," and "DAKE=TAKE" means "bamboo." It is grown in the south of the Tohoku region (Northern Japan). It is 10-20 meters tall, 5-15 centimeters in diameter. The bamboo shoot is edible and more bitter than other species. It has many uses: for baskets, for utensils for the tea ceremony, for a bamboo sword-called "shinai" for KENDO, for bows, for fishing rods, and for filaments of Edison's electric bulbs. A good example that uses Madake's character effectively can be seen in the tip section of "Hera *" rods. Two-four pieces are split from the bottom section of the bamboo and are bound and glued and then shaved in a circle. The highest grade is not bound; it is made from 1 piece, thus, this bamboo is the strongest. Most of the materials I use for rods are of the highest grade bamboo. One bamboo can be shared with other rod builders because 'Hera' rod builders use the part of the bamboo 6 feet from the ground and I use the section just above that part.

* "Hera=herabuna (Carassius cuvieri)", one of Japanese crucian carp.

Comparison between Madake and Tonkin Bamboo