From over 50 Years of the history at the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show

Legendary Koi worth passing down to future generations : Goshiki

By Noriaki Kojima (Chanobi)

The Combined Nishikigoi Show, organised by the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association, has been held for over 50 years. Throughout its long history, countless beautiful Nishikigoi have left lasting impressions on many and touched the hearts of enthusiasts—a fact that hardly needs stating.
Among those countless beautiful Nishikigoi, some stand out with such exceptional beauty that, even today, they remain vividly etched in the minds of those who saw them. These are the actual “exceptional koi” — legendary koi worthy of the name. In this series, we will feature these iconic representatives of their respective eras, shining on the grand stage of the koi show, introduced by variety.

Murakoshi Goshiki
From its head, a vibrant beni forms a four-step pattern. In contrast, the bluish tones reminiscent of a subtle ink-wash landscape gradually transition to a bright base colour, showcasing a gradient that evokes the world of wabi-sabi—a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. This famous koi has demonstrated the harmony of Goshiki and is celebrated through generations.
From around the 14th All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show in 1982, it began appearing on the national stage, winning the first-ever Kokugyo Prize for a Goshiki (20th Anniversary Show, 1988) as well as a Gold Prize at the International Nishikigoi Exhibition. It also appeared in the Dream Koi Exhibition at the 30th Anniversary Show in 1998, demonstrating its enduring presence. In its later years, it was lovingly kept as a pet by the late Minoru Mano, the former head of Dainichi Koi Farm.
Breeder: Yotaro Kawakami (Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture)
Exhibitor: Hirokazu Murakoshi (Hokkaido)
Big Time
With its jet-black base skin adorned by striking crimson hi patterns, this Kuro Goshiki astonished the audience at the show. Possessing a thick, imposing body and a dignified face, this koi proved that the Goshiki variety can be not only profoundly beautiful but also grow to impressive size. It is a celebrated koi with a completely different colouration from the aforementioned Murakoshi Goshiki.
Since its debut at the 46th ZNA International Koi Show (2010, Kochi), it has continued to perform with distinction at the 42nd All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Shows, winning titles such as Best in Varieties and the Sakura Prize. As an outstanding parent koi of Dearest Club, it has produced excellent offspring over many years.
Breeder: Kazuhiko Odawara (Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan)
Exhibitor / Owner: Dearest Club Co., Ltd. (Hokkaido, Japan)