The 12th International Junior Koi Show Quick Report
A record-high participation from 53 countries and regions.
Mr. Campos achieves a three-time consecutive victory in the Junior Koi.
36bu Showa Sanshoku / Benedict Campos (Philippines)
Breeder / Dainichi Koi Farm Handler / Narita Koi Farm
Dealer / Tategoi House
36bu Goshiki / Donald Kerr (UK)
Breeder / Kanno Koi Farm Handler / Narita Koi Farm
Dealer / Mr.Nishikigoi Exclusively Koi
This season, Niigata experienced particularly heavy snowfall, resulting in towering piles of residual snow and a rare sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom for this time of year at the Ojiya City General Gymnasium.
Among the national competitions, the International Junior Koi Show stands out for its high number of participating countries, which grows every year. This year’s event saw many first-time participants from the Middle East, including Lebanon, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, with a record-breaking 53 countries and regions entering the competition.
On the first day, Saturday the 19th, which recorded summer-like temperatures, a panel of 31 judges—led by chief judge Tomoharu Honma, head of the Niigata Prefecture Fisheries Division—evaluated a total of 1,476 entries. The judges were divided into six teams of 30 (each team including one international judge). Since this show evaluates smaller-sized koi, all judging is conducted using bag judging, with judges carefully inspecting each koi displayed under the tents.
In the first round of voting for the Category A overall championship, selected from the “Gosanke” varieties, seven votes were cast. The top three contenders advancing to the second round were: entry number 2044, a 36-bu Kohaku (7 votes); entry number 2060, a 36-bu Showa (12 votes); and entry number 2153, a 36-bu Kohaku (6 votes). In the revote, entry number 2060, the 36-bu Showa, increased its tally to 17 votes, securing the Category A overall championship. Meanwhile, the runner-up, entry number 2044, the 36-bu Kohaku (9 votes), ultimately received the 36-bu Kokugyo Prize.
Next, the judging for Category B, selected from non-“Gosanke” varieties, took place. Votes were cast for eight entries, but entry number 2114, a Goshiki, received an overwhelming majority of 19 votes, decisively winning the Category B overall championship.
With both Category A and Category B overall champions decided, the final voting for the Grand Champion of the show commenced. The Showa dominated with 23 votes, while the Goshiki received 8 votes, resulting in the Showa claiming the top prize at the 12th edition of the show. The defeated Goshiki was awarded Grand Champion runner-up.
