Anglers from Japan and overseas have gathered in Ibaraki Prefecture, north of Tokyo, for an international tournament to catch marlin.

The event kicked off on Friday at Oarai port, with boats in the competition anchoring there for the start. It is the second time organizers have held the event, which this year has 37 teams and 180 anglers competing based on the number and weight of their catches.

A 40-year-old man at the event from Sendai City in northeastern Japan said he is joining for the first time and is very excited. He said he hopes to land a big one weighing over 150 kilograms.

Former professional baseball player Sasaki Kazuhiro was invited to the tournament. Sasaki, who also pitched in the Major Leagues, is known as an avid angler.

Sasaki said he knows that the sea off Ibaraki is home to many kinds of fish, adding that the weather looks great for marlin fishing.

The tournament will be held over three days through Sunday. Visitors can sample marlin dishes at a special booth at Oarai Marine Tower from Saturday.