Hosted by the Youth Division of the Nagaoka City Nishikigoi Breeders’ Association
The 18th Taagari Koi Show Held

The Fruits of Autumn on Display
Showa from Koshiji Koi Farm Named Grand Champion

On Saturday, September 5, ahead of the fall 2026 koi show season, the 18th Taagari Koi Show, hosted by the Youth Division of the Nagaoka City Nishikigoi Breeders’ Association, was held at the Yamakoshi Branch Office.
Because this show is open only to Tosai born this spring, it draws attention as an indicator of how the year’s koi have turned out. As a show where visitors can enjoy young, fresh Tosai, it attracts many hobbyists and dealers every year.
Ahead of the judging at 1:00 p.m., bagged Tosai lined the venue. Although the total number of entries fell from last year to 242, a wide range of varieties was on show, led by high-grade Gosanke.
Judging was carried out by a panel of seven judges, chaired by Yuka Nozawa, Director of the Yamakoshi Branch Office, and a Showa Sanshoku bred by Koshiji Koi Farm was named Grand Champion. Grand Champion Runner-up went to a Taisho Sanshoku bred by Marudo Koi Farm, and third place to a Showa Sanshoku bred by Sakamaki Koi Farm, with attractive Tosai taking the top spots.
This season, on Saturday, August 8, localized torrential rain struck mainly the Chuetsu region, causing road collapses and landslides in parts of the Yamakoshi area. The damage also extended to the mud ponds where Nishikigoi are raised, with more than 100 ponds reportedly breached.
Also, unlike last year’s extreme heat, July this year brought plenty of rain, so there were few cases of water shortages. However, industry insiders say that because temperatures were slow to rise, the growth of the Tosai has been somewhat affected.
With about a month to go until the main fall harvest season, mud pond rearing has entered its final stretch. We hope no major weather troubles arise and look forward to a bountiful autumn.

Grand Champion
Showa Sanshoku / Koshiji Koi Farm

Grand Champion Runner-up
Taisho Sanshoku / Marudo Koi Farm
Grand Champion Third Place
Showa Sanshoku / Sakamaki Koi Farm

Winners of the Grand Champion, Runner-up, and Third Place

Best in Varieties winners

The Youth Division of the Nagaoka City Nishikigoi Breeders’ Association, which runs the show