“The 1st AI Koi Show of the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association” is to be held. Exploring new possibilities for Koi Shows, combining digital technology with the expert eye of master breeders.
As a new initiative by the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association, “The First AI Koi Show of the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association” will be held on 21 February, with entries opening on 27 December 2025.
For this koi show, entries can be submitted through the association’s official app, “AJNPA NISHIKIGOI,” and all judging and proceedings will take place online.
Judging will be conducted by AI (artificial intelligence), which analyzes and evaluates each koi’s body structure, pattern, and luster. After the top entries in each category are selected, the final awards will be determined through a concluding review by breeders affiliated with the association.
All you need to enter is your beloved koi and a smartphone. You can easily submit your prized fish—carefully raised in your home pond or aquarium—through the app. Please note that the entry deadline is midnight on 13 February.
The most distinctive feature of this koi show is its online, app-based format, which replaces the traditional on-site entry system and introduces an initial AI-based judging stage. This approach goes beyond efficiency, aiming to reduce barriers such as koi transportation and complicated entry procedures, and to make koi shows more accessible and enjoyable for beginners and enthusiasts who have previously hesitated to participate.
Hybrid judging by AI trained on 50,000 koi and expert breeders.
In this innovative judging system, an AI trained on data from more than 50,000 koi previously entered in past koi shows analyzes and scores key factors such as body balance, pattern placement, and skin luster to conduct the first stage of judging. The top five koi in each category and variety selected by the AI will then undergo final judging by association members, who will determine the final rankings.
By bringing together objective AI-driven data analysis and the refined aesthetic judgment of the “master’s eye” of experienced breeders, the judging system aims to deliver results that are both fair and widely accepted.
Accessibility is the most significant appeal.
Making koi show entry easier than ever.
This koi show aims to be an open and accessible event in which anyone can participate with ease. There are three key advantages to this approach.
1.Reducing Psychological and Physical Barriers
By simplifying koi transportation and entry procedures required for traditional koi shows, this format creates an environment in which even beginners—who may have hesitated, wondering “Is my koi good enough?”—can participate with confidence.
2. 5,000 yen per Koi — An Easy Way to Test Your Skills
By eliminating the costs of transporting koi, the show allows participants to receive an objective evaluation of their koi and breeding skills, making it a perfect opportunity to test their abilities.
3. Compete with Koi Enthusiasts from Around the World
The association’s official app, “AJNPA NISHIKIGOI,” supports multiple languages, allowing participants to compete on the same stage with koi enthusiasts from around the world.
Photography plays a key role in judging
Entry is completed entirely via the app by registering your koi and uploading photos and videos. To ensure fairness, strict rules govern judging, including a prohibition on image editing or photo manipulation used for evaluation. While body shape, quality, pattern, and overall finish are essential, photographic factors—such as fin spread, body angle, and whether the koi is captured straight on—also play a crucial role in shaping judging results.
No worries even if you’re not Tech-Savvy
Entering is easy in just three simple steps!
There’s no need to feel intimidated by thinking, “Apps seem complicated.” The interface is intuitive and very easy to use. Below, we’ll guide you through the entry process using actual screen images.
【ＳＴＥＰ１】
Install the App & Register Your Koi
Download the official “AJNPA NISHIKIGOI” app to your smartphone, then open it and register your koi via the “My Koi” menu. Just enter the koi’s name, variety, and size to build your own digital koi profile.
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Take Photos and Videos — This Step Is Crucial
High-quality photos and videos are key to accurate judging. Please keep the following points in mind when photographing your koi so the AI can assess it correctly.
Position the koi with its head facing downward, then take a front-facing photo aligned with the on-screen guide. Make sure the body is straight, the mouth is closed, and aim to capture the moment when the fins are fully spread.
Please note: edited or altered photos will not be accepted.
〈Video〉Record a video of the koi swimming for approximately 30 seconds.
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Enter the Show
Once your information is registered, go to “Koi Show” in the menu, select the “The first AI Koi Show,” choose your koi, and pay the ¥5,000 entry fee in the app to complete your entry. Now, sit back and wait for the results!
For more details on how to enter
Watch the step-by-step video guide!
A detailed entry tutorial video is now available on the association’s official YouTube channel. The video walks you through the process using actual app screens, making it easy to follow even for first-time users. Check it out here!
Entry Deadline and Results Announcement
The entry deadline is midnight on 13 February at midnight, and the results are scheduled to be announced via YouTube Live on 21 February. Why not take this opportunity to join a bold initiative to share and expand Nishikigoi culture worldwide—easily and conveniently from your smartphone?
“The 1st All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association AI Koi Show”Event Guidelines
Organizer: All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association
Supported by: Zen Nippon Airinkai
Operations: Kinsai Publishing Co., Ltd. / SESSA Co., Ltd.
■ Entry Period
From 27 December, 2025, to midnight on 13 February, 2026.
Enter now!
Click here for the Koi Show Guidelines ▼
Download the App Here ▼
■ Eligibility
Open to Nishikigoi enthusiasts, breeders, and dealers worldwide.
Koi that have previously received awards at the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show are not eligible.
■ Variety Categories
1. Kohaku 2. Taisho Sanshoku 3. Showa Sanshoku 4. Shiro Utsuri 5. Hi Utsuri
■ Size Categories
• Baby koi: up to 30 cm
• Yong Koi: 30–50 cm
• Adult Koi: 50–60 cm
• Mature Koi: 60–70 cm
• Superior Koi: 70–80 cm
• Colossal Koi: 80 cm and above
■ Awards (Digital certificates will be presented to all award winners)
• Grand Champion: 1 koi
(The single most outstanding koi selected from all entries)
• Best in Variety: 5 koi
(One koi selected from each variety)
• Division Champions:
1st–3rd place awarded in each size category and variety
• Runner-Up Awards:
Multiple koi selected in each size category and variety
■ Results Announcement
Watch the Decisive Moment Live!
The results will be broadcast worldwide via YouTube Live starting at 12:00pm on 21 February, 2026.
The live stream will feature the final judging by association members, expert commentary on the winning koi, and the results announcement in real time.
Which koi will be crowned the inaugural champion?
Subscribe to the channel and don’t miss this historic moment!
【Contact Information】
All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association
Watch the Results Live on the Day!
