Breeder Interview Tendo Koi Farm · Mr. Atsushi Tendo (Fukui)

Gosanke and Ginrin Ochiba-system Kawari are the Pillars
Toward an Independent Path on a Foundation of Orthodoxy

Tendo Koi Farm is known for its strong track record with Kohaku and the other Gosanke varieties, as well as its uniquely characterful kawarimono that stand at the opposite end of the spectrum. The farm has a long history of producing Ochiba and Ginrin Ochiba, which trace their lineage back to Chagoi. These varieties have appeared in koi shows since about 15 years ago, as can be seen in past issues of Monthly Nishikigoi. The Ginrin Ochiba-style kawarimono, which also carry bloodlines from Kohaku, Chagoi, Showa, Yamabuki, and Hanejiro, are now a popular variety at this farm. We visited the day after the Hokuriku Regional Show last November to hear about the current state of Tendo Koi Farm.

Atsushi Tendo

Kawarigoi is 1 Spawn, Silver Blowing is Good

A variety of types emerge, including Ginrin Kohaku

― What varieties are you currently producing?
Tendo: This year (2025), I produced the Gosanke, kawarimono, Kin Showa, and Goshiki.
― The Gosanke, with its proven track record, is of course well known, but your kawarimono are also impressive. They are like Ginrin Ochiba-style varieties… Some have red, while others have metallic body color (①, ②, ③). Are these all based on Ochiba?
Tendo: Yes. Originally, I crossed Chagoi with Kohaku, and from there, the resulting Ochiba were crossed with Ginrin Ochiba and other kawarimono. I also tried to create something like Ochiba Showa. For these two years, we use a Kawari made by Omosako as the maternal body and cross our Ochiba-system Ginrin Kawari (④).
― What is the female from Omosako?
Tendo: I heard it was crossing Hajiro with Yamabuki. I received it from a hobbyist who obtained it.
― I see. The shining on the head of ② might be the blood of Yamabuki.
Tendo: That’s right.
― Having Hajiro in it also seems like unpredictable koi will be made.
Tendo: Various types come out, like silver biting into blackish ones, or things like Ginrin Hajiro.

① / The 25th Hokuriku District 75bu Tokimeki Prize
② / The 60th Fukui Prefecture Judges’ Special Prize

③ / The 11th Wakae kai Azalea Junior Koi Prize
④ / Male Parent (Owned by Mr. Shuji Nozaki)