Oni Blog
In those days near my home, there was an amount of water.
I remember it was around 94 when I met Mr. Horie for the first time at Nagoya Tenkara Summit.
He was an interesting person. He had a very unconventional humour.
Mr. Horie is a pioneer of modern Tenkara who tried an original technique for fly and line.
I felt familiar with Mr. Horie because I used to fly fish also tried to use elk hair for Tenkara.
Since then I choose my way of Tenkara and don’t use fly tools. But, it feels like we are aiming similar direction.
I think he has an exciting fishing style.
He liked luring fish to the water surface and catching them as they took the bait.
It is interesting to watch fish eat the fly.
As you can see, he had a sense of fun and I believe that was important for him.
We saw him at Kansa Rever（Aichi-ken） 2nd time.
It was a tough day and he was looking at me.
I noticed a couple of times and he was watching my technique.
He visited my home a couple of times. Maybe 3 times if I’m correct. It was when we were going on an ‘over night fishing trip'(TV )
He made spaghetti and coffee for us. It was fun.
He picked me for a fishing magazine talk event.
I can’t forget that he welcomed me with big smile.
We were young. I have only nice memories with him.
The best memory with him was at TV Tokyo’s program ‘Kaze no folklore (Folklore of wind)’.
When he missed a big fish, he stuck out his tongue and tilted his head.
His passion for fishing was like a child’s.
Because he was a writer, he watched people well and observed everything.
After his condition became bad, we opened an Oni-school class at TTC(Tokyo Trout Country Club).
We could see each other and talk together. He was happy.
We had a nice conversation about Tenkara.
It is an unforgettable memory for me.
He was a type of a person who speaks honestly about everything.
However, he never made people feel bad because of his good sense of humour.
He did everything his own way at his pace.
Last year’s TTC was the last time I saw him.
He said “Tenkara people have become fashionable” and smiled with a happy face.
Mr. Horie was looking for a modern Tenkara. Then he noticed Tenkara people had become modern. I belive he was happy.
We talked about my fishing trip to Italy. He listen to me eagerly.
I remember he really love Italian food.
At that last TTC, as soon as he saw me, he said “You made a good one!”.
He was talking about our home page. We asked him for an article when his condition was not good. But, he agreed it without any hesitation. Since then Oni-yome(wife) and I felt bad, but Mr. Horie was enthusiastic about the web site.
We were happy because he was happy.
Before he went back to hospital, he asked us to print out his article from my web site.
He left with the printed paper.
I wonder how many times he went through the print out.
At that time, he asked me for a favour. I couldn’t grant his request immediately, but I would like to work little by little to honor his request.
When we heard about his death, coincidently we were planning to open Oni-school at TTC.
It was strange timing.
Therefore, if it is possible, I’d like to have Oni-school at TTC.
He fought against his sickness for a long time.
He did very well and I want him to have good rest now.
Also, if he has a chance I want him to enjoy Tenkara.
To his family and everyone who help him during his sickness, I’d like to offer my condolences.
One warm spring day, Gassyo(be peace with you)
Masami Sakakibara
( 15 May Japanese blog)
From Team ONI
When Ishigaki sensei, other senseis, fishing friends and Mr. Horie got together in TTC, he told everyone.
I think this was his last request.
He said ‘I met two geniuses at river. One is Masami Sakakibara. The other one is Katsutoshi Amano. I met only two people. They will hand down Japanese Tenkara’ we can’t forget about it.
COMMENTS
4 Responses to “This article is about Mr. Horie.”
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April 18th, 2013 @ 12:02 PM
Thank you Masami, that was ani honorable and beautiful introduction. I only hope that I can do just a little bit of what you do to spread modern Tenkara. Thank you so much.
April 19th, 2013 @ 11:29 AM
Dear Adam Thanks a lot!!
April 21st, 2013 @ 12:08 AM
I have followed Mr. Horie’s theme and have admired his attitude and dedication to tenkara.
I am sorry to hear of his passing.
I will think of him when I fish tenkara.
April 21st, 2013 @ 11:32 AM
Dear Stephen Thank you beautiful words for Horie.