Showcasing Japanese climbing hold makers to an international audience.

Japanese climbers have earned their well-deserved reputation by achieving impressing results at the highest level of climbing, both indoors and outdoors.

Maguro Dual Texture by Under Blue Holds

And Japanese gyms such as B-Pump or Next Gen are increasingly becoming climbing destinations in their own right, often being featured on YouTube or social media.

And yet, despite this increased awareness of the Japanese climbing scene, Japanese climbing hold makers remain relatively unknown abroad.

But as it turns out, Japanese makers are worth paying attention to as well.

Surf Reserve 2 by K16

Despite its vibrant climbing scene, Japan has relatively few large-scale climbing gyms compared to Europe or North America, due to real-estate constraints. This is why Japanese setters have perfected the art of making the most of limited wall space, ensuring every move of a climb presents a challenge no matter the grade.

In order to support this setting style, Japanese shapers put just as much thought and effort in their work, crafting each new hold to target different finger and body positions, from tiny plastic crimps to huge fiberglass macros.

Twoface Incut Sloper M by Mojo Holds

What’s more, many of these brands are individual operations, passion projects started by climbers who end up splitting their time between the workshop, the gym, and the crag–often in addition to their day job.

Ever since I’ve stumbled upon these makers, I’ve been fascinated by their work and their limitless ability to surprise with new hold shapes–all this often at very reasonable prices.

This is why ReadySet’s goal is to give this hidden industry a little more exposure, and maybe even bring it a few new customers!