From over 50 Years of the history at the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show
Legendary Koi worth passing down to future gene rations: Taisho Sanshoku
By Noriaki Kojima (Chanobi)
The Combined Nishikigoi Show, organised by the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association, has been held for over 50 years. Throughout its long history, countless beautiful Nishikigoi have left lasting impressions on many and touched the hearts of enthusiasts—a fact that hardly needs stating.
Among those countless beautiful Nishikigoi, some stand out with such exceptional beauty that, even today, they remain vividly etched in the minds of those who saw them. These are the actual “exceptional koi” — legendary koi worthy of the name. In this series, we will feature these iconic representatives of their respective eras, shining on the grand stage of the koi show, introduced by variety.
This koi, known as Crown Sanke for the crown-like pattern on its head, proved that famous koi can be born and raised outside Niigata.
No koi has captivated people as much with the whiteness of its skin as this one. The striking white area from the base of the neck—equivalent to the human nape—up to the eye line drew all eyes to that single point.
Mamoru Nagaoka from Shiga Prefecture raised this koi to a substantial and beautiful form, demonstrating the importance of finishing touches.
It won both the 10th All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show and the ZNA 14th International Koi Show. (1978).
■Breeder: Nakata Fish Farm (Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture)
■Exhibitor: Kiyoshi Saikawa (Toyama Prefecture)
This koi, a masterpiece of Sadazo Sanke, claimed the highest honour at the 8th All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show in 1976. The charming pattern on this large-bodied koi begins with a lipstick-like mark, and its deep, jet-black sumi gleaming beautifully on the white background seems to say, “This is the ideal tsubo-zumi of Taisho Sanshoku.” The crisp, short stripes on its pectoral and tail fins are further proof of the excellent sumi quality. A true masterpiece that continues to convey the value of natural beauty.
■Breeder: Sadazo Kawakami (Niigata Prefecture)
■Exhibitor: Tadasuke Shirakawa (Ehime Prefecture)
When this koi, with its astonishingly thick and majestic body, was awarded Grand Champion at the 11th All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show in 1979, countless onlookers must have gasped in awe.
Upon its massive white canvas, bold strokes of red were laid down with abandon, and shiny black sumi markings were added like pops of accent. It appears to be a striking painting created by an abstract artist. If one were to define ” Sophisticated,” it would surely point to the pattern of this koi. As I admire its sheer visual impact, I can’t help but wonder: what, then, is a textbook pattern?
■Breeder: Koei Saito (Niigata Prefecture)
■Exhibitor: Toshihisa Doi (Ehime Prefecture)
The Grand Champion of the 34th All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show, this Taisho Sanshoku captivated audiences with its overwhelming size and beauty.
At a time when it was thought impossible for Nishikigoi to exceed one meter in length, this koi broke that belief by incorporating the bloodline of wild Magoi to enhance its natural strength and body development. Yuhi proved that koi could not only surpass one meter but also retain their elegance and beauty at such a size—a koi that made history.
It was the result of a perfect combination of superior bloodline and the expert husbandry of the master breeder, Michio Maeda, Okayama Prefecture, that allowed this koi to bloom like a magnificent flower.
■Breeders: Toshiyuki Sakai, Yamamatsu Koi Farm (Yamakoshi, Niigata Prefecture)
Toshio Sakai, Isawa Nishikigoi Centre (Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture)
■Exhibitor: Nobuo Takigawa (Shimane Prefecture)
