From over 50 Years of the history at the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show
Legendary Koi worth passing down to future gene rations: Kohaku
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.
Known to the world by the name “Roran,” this exceptional Kohaku made history in the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show by becoming the first koi ever to win the Grand Champion at two separate shows — the 22nd show in 1990 and the 24th show in 1992 — during the 50-year history of the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association.
Its vivid crimson beni and snow-like white skin earned it the nickname “the dream of Kohaku.” The breeder, Heikichi, also likened its soft, gentle white base to the milky white glaze known as “nigoshide” seen in the work of porcelain master Kakiemon.
■Breeder: Heikichi Ogawa, Ogawa Fish Farm (Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture)
■Exhibitor: Takahito Hashimoto (Hyogo Prefecture)
This koi earned the affectionate nickname Yoru no Cho (Butterfly of the Night) due to the pattern that extends from its head down beneath its eyes, resembling the fluttering wings of a butterfly.
Over 35 years ago, its uniquely expressive pattern and the brilliance of its red captivated many in the Nishikigoi community, drawing words of admiration.
It rose to the top at two major competitions: the 16th International ZNA Koi Show held in Aichi Prefecture in 1980, and the 15th All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show in 1983. It is hailed as the finest masterpiece of the Yagozen Kohaku lineage.
■Breeder: Toshio Hiroi (Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture)
■Exhibitor: Yoshiaki Muku (Shimane Prefecture)
Nicknamed Kame no Kou (Tortoiseshell), this Kohaku captivated viewers with its powerful, well-proportioned body, the fiery red hue known as Dainichi Red. Its charm is fully displayed through the expressive, well-defined kiwa that seems to dye each scale, along with its beautifully balanced sashi.
It was awarded Grand Champion at the ZNA 17th International Koi Show, held in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1981.
■Breeder: Minoru Mano, Dainichi Koi Farm (Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture)
■Exhibitor: Suetomi Otani (Hiroshima Prefecture)
This legendary Kohaku rewrote history as the first koi owned by an overseas hobbyist to win Grand Champion at the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show. It is famously known that the owner named the koi after his mother, reflecting the deep affection and care with which it was raised. The koi won the Grand Champion at the 33rd All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show.
■Breeder: Koji Sakai, Sakai Fish Farm (Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
■Exhibitor: Yang Liqing (Taiwan)
