Aw, Lynn, I'm trying to reduce the confusion.

For non math geeks:

Japanese rods count from the tip. The tip is #1. The section next to the tip is #2 and so on. The handle section is counted (when you get to it).

Tenkara USA rods count from the handle section. The handle section is #1 and is counted. The section next to the handle is #2 and so on. However, the tip and the two sections closest to the tip are not counted, but instead are the "tip set."

Fountainhead rods don't need a numbering system because you send the whole rod to Fountainhead, which replaces any broken parts, checks the rest of the rod for damage and sends it back.

Sakura rods don't need a numbering system because "Sakura rods don't break." And no, I don't believe it either even though the US rep has repeatedly assured me they don't. I know at least one did.

I do not know how other manufacturers/importers count sections, if they do.