I just came across this blog that had Matt Paino do some Japanese translation work to get some answers on that bass world record possibility from Lake Biwa in Japan. It's pretty interesting. Looks like they have not made a decision yet, and that there may be some questions about off limit areas of the lake.

I also thought this was interesting, about how the fish on Lake Biwa can get so big:

"There is trout called Biwako Masu. The spawning period is from
October through November where they head upriver. Besides this time
frame, they are found in the depths of 20 meters (60 feet) to 50 meters
(150 feet). The Masu are not considered to be a factor in helping the
bass grow large at Lake Biwa. Rather the staple forage for assisting
the bass grow large are bluegill, crawfish, Ayu and Ketabasu. (The last
two are native Japanese baitfish. The Ayu are commercially fished and
because the population of these baitfish are being depleted, the bass
get a bad rap throughout Japan)."

Also interesting: a previous record holder bass at the lake was caught on a 12" swimbait called "mother".

Here's the article on Kramer Gone Fishing