Elite Series pro Kota Kiriyama is headed to his native Japan this week to oversee his third annual “Kota’s American Dream” tournament (www.kotaamericandream.com). Last year the event drew well over 500 boats and the winners earned an all-expenses paid trip to the BassCat Invitational on Lake Norfork in northwest Arkansas.

“They get free airfare, lodging and a truck and boat to use at the site,” Kiriyama said. “The event gives them a good opportunity to experience American bass fishing.”

Another purpose of the event is to showcase many of Kiriyama’s sponsors, including BassCat Boats. Owner Rick Pierce and several of his employees even filmed a brief YouTube video for a Japanese audience. It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaGJXi_47yE&feature=player_embedded  or on Kota’s site.

Of course, while some Japanese anglers may dream of testing their angling mettle in the USA, in recent months it’s been the Japanese bass that have been making headlines – so despite his sponsor obligations and family visits, Kota assured us he’s going to make time for a few trips to Lake Biwa, where the possible world record was caught.