Koinishi Koi Farm Releases Nishikigoi into Hiroshima Castle Moat
A New Symbol Breathing Life into the City of Peace

On October 6th, Koinishi Koi Farm in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, released 145 Nishikigoi into the moat of Hiroshima Castle. The Nishikigoi released that day varied in size and breed, and among them were many impressive koi, some measuring 90 cm in length and weighing over 15 kg.
Hiroshima Castle was built approximately 400 years ago by Terumoto Mori, grandson of the Sengoku period warlord Motonari Mōri. The surrounding area was once called “Koi-no-ura”, which led to the castle becoming known as “Koi Castle”.
The castle had a deep connection with “koi”， but Mr. Konishi found it “too lonely that there were no koi in the moat despite the name ‘Koi Castle,” so he began his activities in 2018. In February of this year, he released another 170 koi, bringing the total number of koi he has donated free of charge to about 1,500 over seven years. His efforts to create an environment where colorful Nishikigoi can be seen, along with his continued commitment to regular feeding and water quality management after the release, were highly recognized, and he received a letter of appreciation from Hiroshima City Mayor Kazumi Matsui.
The beauty of the Nishikigoi swimming elegantly in the spacious moat now often causes tourists and citizens to stop and take photos, making it a new focal point of interest.
The Japanese word for carp, Koi, is translated as “Carp” in English, which is also the origin of the professional baseball team’s name, the “Hiroshima Toyo Carp”. Mr. Konishi smiled and said, “There is a variety called Tancho that has a pattern resembling a red helmet (commonly called ‘Aka-Heru’ or ‘Red Helmet’), so I’ve named them the ‘Aka-Heru Koi’ (Red Helmet Carp). Although this year was disappointing for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, I hope they do their best next year.”
Mr. Martin Kammerer, Representative of Konishi Europe GmbH, which serves as the European agent for the farm, also participated on the day, carefully releasing each fish one by one with practiced hands.
“Hiroshima Castle is the origin of Hiroshima City. For me, having koi swimming in the moat of the castle called ‘Koi Castle’ was a dream,” said Mr. Koinishi. “Koi do not fight. They don’t quarrel. They are the perfect fish for a city that values peace. I want everyone to cherish the Nishikigoi as a symbol of Hiroshima.”
The sight of the Nishikigoi, including the “Aka-Heru Koi,” swimming in the moat will likely continue to be cherished by many citizens as a new symbol of Hiroshima, the City of Peace.