Nishikigoi & Goldfish Aquarium in Toki Messe

Over 1,000 Goldfish and Nishikigoi of 70 Varieties in a Spectacular Display

Niigata Hosts Its First “Summer Festival Underwater”

The “Nishikigoi and Goldfish Aquarium in Toki Messe,” held for the first time in Niigata, took place at Toki Messe in Niigata City’s Chuo Ward from August 1 to 24, spanning approximately three weeks.

As a highly anticipated event even before its opening, it attracted many visitors from the very first day. By August 7, the number of attendees had reached 10,000, significantly exceeding initial expectations. Commemorative gifts, including an 11-item set featuring a koi-patterned tote bag, were presented to a woman from Chuo Ward and her two daughters, who became the event’s 10,000th visitors. The 7-year-old daughter smiled and said, “I’ve never seen koi before, so I’m looking forward to it.”

This event was organized by creator GA☆KYO MIYAZAWA in collaboration with UWS ENTERTAINMENT Co., Ltd. (Tokyo), which operates aquarium museums in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Nara, and Aqua Resort (Higashi Ward, Niigata City), which provides aquarium rentals and maintenance services.

The venue, themed “Summer Festival Underwater,” showcased koi and goldfish, symbols of traditional Japanese beauty, in artistically designed tanks, enhanced with light and sound effects. The result was a fantastical space reminiscent of walking into an art museum, offering visitors both relaxation and wonder in this water-based entertainment experience.

Approximately 200 koi, including Niigata-bred “Kijiro”, and about 1,000 goldfish, including the “Tamasaba” variety originating from Nagaoka, were on display. Such a large-scale event featuring koi is rare not only in Niigata but across Japan, made possible precisely because this is the birthplace of Nishikigoi.

A Kijiro tank designed by members of NGT48
Coverage by child reporters

Tanks exhibiting 21 koi varieties established by the JAS

The growth and transformation of koi from their Tosai to becoming Japan’s top winners
Tapestries of past Grand Champion from the All Japan Nishikigoi Show

Dance of the Toki
FUKABORI
HANAKIN
KAGAYAKI
DEJIKIN
DEJIKIN
INFINITE GOLDFISH
UWAMI
HIME