The grand champion Showa Sanshoku, boasting an impressive body size unexpected for its age and striking, bold sumi quality, was a 36 cm entry by Benedict Campos, a regular contender in national competitions. Mr. Campos achieved back-to-back wins, securing both the Grand Champion and runner-up titles for two consecutive years, making this his third straight victory at the tournament. The breeder, Dainichi Koi Farm. claimed its second Grand Champion title since the 10th edition of the competition two years ago. Both award-winning koi belong to the farm’s recent focus line, the “Monroe bloodline” Showa Sanshoku. The handling dealer, Narita Koi Farm. celebrated its 11th overall win, with Tategoi House acting as the intermediary.
The runner-up, a 35 cm two-year-old Goshiki, was entered by Donald Kerr from the UK. It was acquired at Narita Koi Farm ’s in-store event, “R’s Collection,” held last year, through Mr. Nishikigoi (Netherlands) and Exclusively Koi (UK). At the 55th All Japan Nishikigoi Show, this koi won the Kokugyo Prize in the 35 bu. The breeder, Kanno Koi Farm, achieved its second consecutive runner-up title with its signature Goshiki.

Subsequently, the selection for the Grand Champion in the Young, Junior, and Mini bu was conducted, with Kohaku bred by renowned breeders such as Dainichi Koi Farm Toyota Branch, Hoshikin Koi Farm and Matsue Koi Center. each taking the spotlight.
After the first day’s closing ceremony, a networking party was held at the Ojiya City General Industrial Hall Sun Plaza, where laughter filled the venue thanks to the creative costumes of Chairman Mano Futoshi and members of the Niigata regional association.
While the first day was blessed with clear skies, the second day was wrapped in chilly, overcast weather. Nevertheless, many enthusiasts and professionals, including locals, attended. Shortly after opening to the public, a mochi-pounding demonstration by the Higashiyama Five-Person Mochi Pounding Preservation Society took place, drawing long lines of visitors eager to enjoy freshly pounded mochi.

At the awards ceremony attended by many stakeholders, Mr. Kristoffer from Tategoi House accepted the award on behalf of the overall tournament winner, and was celebrated with the traditional “dōage” (tossing in the air) after the event.
True to its international reputation, the event has expanded its participating countries year after year, including nations previously unconnected to Nishikigoi. This reflects the steady progress made by the promotion association and Niigata Prefecture in their efforts to expand the koi market. Moving forward, we look forward to the Niigata region’s creative initiatives to continue delighting enthusiasts with fresh ideas.