Mr. Kikuchi Harufuku (Kanagawa)

Loving Nishikigoi for 55 Years
Giving His All for the “Two More Years” Goal

Hobbyist

Mr. Kikuchi Harufuku (88), with a 55-year Nishikigoi keeping career, won his first Kokugyo Prize at the National Young Koi Show this past March. He once belonged to the promotion association under the name “Ikuta Meiri”. He shared his enthusiasm for the Kanto Regional Show, his biggest goal, and looked back on his koi life, now just two years away from his planned stopping point at age 90.

The 41st All Japan Young Koi Show
18bu Kokugyo Prize
Breeder / Taniguchi Koi Farm Handler / Marutoshi Fish Farm

Started During the Peak of Kobayashi Showa

Wants to Buy Tategoi and Watch Them Grow

― It’s surprising that it was your first Kokugyo Prize.
Kikuchi: I have won variety Prize. That was decades ago, with a Goshiki from Namiki Koi Farm.
― When did you start keeping Nishikigoi?
Kikuchi: I originally liked fishing and went to fishing ponds; buying a black koi from one was the very start. I started with Nishikigoi after that, from around 32-33 years old, so it’s been about 55 years now. It started because the brother of Mr. Ohira Yoshio (Ohyuu of Nishikigoi / former secretary general of the promotion association) worked for our company’s (Kikuchi Denki) main contractor (Dengensha Toa), and that led me to go buy koi in Niigata. Back then, it was the peak of Kobayashi Showa. So even now, Showa is my favorite.
After I started going to Niigata, I bought a 100-tsubo plot of land, and before building the house, I built a 30-ton pond there first. Later, I bought another 30-tsubo plot, which is the current pond.
― You weren’t “Ikuta Meiri” at that time, right?
Kikuchi: That’s right. But “Ikuta Meiri” was an extension of the hobby; I never sold koi to others. I temporarily joined the promotion association and thought about becoming a koi dealer, but I’m an electrical technician, so it was hard to wear two hats.
― When did you establish your company (Kikuchi Denki)?
Kikuchi: I joined Dengensha as a subcontractor around age 23 and have been operating on the same premises ever since. Counting from then, it’s 65 years. From the official registered establishment, it’s 58 years this year, and in two more years, at 90, it will be the 60th anniversary. If I’m healthy, I’d like to celebrate grandly (laughs).