Takuro Nishikigoi Seminar

Tracing the Evolution of Matsue Kohaku

From the “Matsue Seminar” of Yokohama Nishikigoi, held on February 11 this year

This time, we will focus on the changes in the Kohaku from the Matsue Nishikigoi Centre. Using record photos of the koi our shop has purchased, Hiroaki Iizuka, Senior Managing Director in Matsue Nishikigoi Centre, will provide commentary.
We hope this session will serve as a helpful guide for your koi selection, helping you think:
“So, this is how koi can change,” “This type of koi develops well over time.” “Next time, I’d like to buy a koi like this.”
(Takuro Ogiku)

The 53rd All Japan Nishikigoi Show · Jumbo Prize A

— First, let me introduce the kind of koi that Matsue Nishikigoi Centre produces. Speaking of Matsue’s signature work, it would be this koi that won the Jumbo Prize A (①), right? What kind of parents did this koi come from?

Hiroaki: This one came from pairing a female from the “Iwasaki” bloodline with a male from the Murata Nishikigoi Centre.

— This koi had a body shape and beni unlike anything that had ever come out of Matsue Nishikigoi Centre.

Hiroaki: This is the best koi Matsue Nishikigoi Centre has ever produced. When it was collected from the mud pond at two years old, I decided right then that it would go for the top prize.

— Was it already outstanding at two years old?
Hiroaki: Yes, it was clear — “this is the one.” At the age of ten, it was entered in the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show and won the Jumbo Prize A.

— The pattern is artistic, and above all, the body line is excellent.

Hiroaki: At two years old, it had an exceptionally deep body compared to ordinary koi, so it even looked a bit short. But in reality, it was about 63 cm at that age, which was enormous for one of our koi at the time. I clearly remember everything—the body line, even the weight when I held it. For a farm of our production scale, it was a once-in-ten-years koi. I have been struggling ever since to produce another koi close to this one, and I’m still experimenting today.
— I hope you will continue breeding with this koi as your benchmark, aiming even higher. Both I and all the hobbyists are eagerly waiting for that.

Hiroaki Iitsuka of Matsue Nishikigoi Centre