Breeders’ Interview:

Matsue Nishikigoi Center

Takahiro Iitsuka and Hiroaki Iitsuka (Shimane)

The goal is “New Matsue Kohaku”

Advancing into uncharted territories(Part 1)

“Sensuke” was once synonymous with Matsue Koi Center and held a pivotal position. However, under the leadership of President Takahiro Iitsuka and Executive Director Hiroaki Iitsuka, they are no longer confined to the “Sensuke” framework but are dedicated to cultivating unique “Matsue Kohaku”.

Having amassed extensive experience nationwide, they completely overhauled their koi parent koi approximately 7-8 years ago. With their sights set on the pinnacle, they aimed to clinch the All Japan Championship. “As long as it’s feasible, our ultimate goal is the championship,” stated Managing Director Hiroaki. Notably, in recent years, they’ve elevated the proportion of in-house bred parent koi, fostering a more conducive environment for championship aspirations. Following a 16-year interval, we revisited them for another interview, and this time, we profoundly sensed their unwavering devotion to “Matsue Kohaku.”

To build a base to increase the production of self-bred parent koi.

Bold measures were taken to improve quality

ー I was so surprised to find a koi farm right in the middle of the city. National Route 9 is right out front, and the entrance to the Sanyo Expressway is also very close.

Takahiro: When I first came here, it felt like I was standing alone in a rice paddy.

ー Is the fish fry pond being far from here?

Takahiro: It’s about a 5-minute walk from here. At this time (9 AM), about half of the sorting work has been done. Since it’s hot in the summer, we start earlier and try to finish basically by noon, so we don’t need to drag the net in the afternoon. In the afternoon, we’ll do some work on site. We’ve already netted some of the tosai. After sorting out the medium-sized fish, we’ll free up some space and then net the remaining fish. This year, the number of Kohaku fry has increased by about 400,000 compared to last year.

ー Are the fish that were just fished out from the concrete pond the tosai from the initial production?

Takahiro: Yes. After the fish fry pond is emptied, the next batch will be put in. There are also fish that have just started the first screening process from now on.

ー Will you be adding more house ponds in the future?
Takahiro: It’s very difficult to add more on the existing land, and because it’s getting hotter year by year, I think my wild ponds may not be suitable for breeding anymore. So now, the cement pond that was originally used for breeding tosai is now also used for breeding two-year-old koi, and we have to find another place to build a new greenhouse pond for tosai.

ー The impacts of climate change will undoubtedly become more pronounced in the future. I’d like to inquire about your recent production status and how things are going this year. During our last interview in 2008, you mentioned that the descendants of Morita Sensuke’s “Gyokurin” and your own “Suzuran” line had become the two mainstays. From the “Suzuran” line, there emerged both the ZNA Champion and the All Japan Grand Champion. Are these bloodlines still being continued today?