Judging continued in teams, and despite occasional strong winds, all evaluations concluded by 1 PM—ahead of schedule. Once the venue opened to the public, crowds quickly gathered around the award-winning koi. Unlike the All Japan Nishikigoi Show, Otemae Park draws many tourists, making it an ideal spot to promote koi culture. The synergy between Himeji Castle and koi as symbols of Japanese tradition is something to cherish.
As forecast, the 23rd was sunny, with Himeji’s daytime high reaching 23.2°C—the warmest of the year. At 11 AM, an awards ceremony was held at the adjacent “Egre Himeji,” attended by Himeji Mayor Hideto Kiyomoto and House Representative Takeaki Matsumoto. Though Junvimaloung was absent, representatives from KOIKICHI FISH FARM and Okayama Momotaro Koi celebrated with a spirited shoulder lift.


In recent years, Okayama Momotaro Koi and Sakai Koi Farm have dominated the show, sharing the top two spots in four of the past five editions (except the 38th). However, fresh faces also shined: a Sansoku bred by Kibi Nishikigoi (Okayama) won the Young Koi Grand Champion, while a German Sanke from Nishikimaru Shu Koi Farm (Niigata) took the Junior Koi Grand Champion. Their rise hints at exciting future contenders.

Male 58bu Taisho Sanshoku / Benedict Campos(Philippines)
Breeder / Sakai Fish Farm Handler / Narita Koi Farm Dealer / Tategoi House

33bu Taisho Sanshoku
Benedict Campos(Philippines)
Breeder / Kibi Nishikigoi Handler / Narita Koi Farm
Dealer / Tategoi House

23bu Doitsugoi / Si Yao(China)
Breeder / Nishikimaruhide Koi Farm
Handler / Narita Koi Farm
Dealer / Nakamori Trade Co.,Ltd・Yongri Koi Farm

Tesar Gusmawan(Indonesia)
Breeder / Sakai Handler / KOI-UMEDA JAPAN
Dealer / Japan Direct Koi Center

Benedict Campos(Philippines)
Breeder / Kawakami Koi Farm
Handler / Narita Koi Farm Dealer / Tategoi House

Izumi Mori(Okayama)
Breeder・Handler / Kibi Nishikigoi

Benedict Campos(Philippines)
Breeder / Shinoda Koi Farm Handler / Narita Koi Farm
Dealer / Tategoi House

