Shimano started to deploy the Bantam series in the 1970s as products primarily targeting the U.S., the main market of bass fishing. As bass fishing gained popularity in Japan in the latter half of the 1980s, Shimano started to release products for the Japanese market. The Bantam Scorpion series was developed by focusing on the concept of meeting the needs of fishing sites in Japan and the sensibilities of Japanese anglers. In 1988, Shimano released Bantam Scorpion Fightin’ ROD, which featured a proprietary intuitive blanks structure. The baitcasting reel released in 1990 was equipped with a centrifugal brake and greaseless bearings to achieve a light and smooth reeling feel and long-casting performance for a small lure. The vivid, distinctive color of red was used. It was nicknamed Scorpion Red, and was well accepted. Subsequently, Scorpion spun off from the Bantam series, and it has been evolving as an independent series. Metanium, ANTARES, and SHAULA branched out from Scorpion, bringing various brands to Shimano’s fishing tackle. Scorpion has been popular among many anglers as a long-established series of Shimano.