February 12, 2010
I had the great fortune to finalize realize a long time goal and travel to Japan this past winter
We visited numerous breeders and then headed to Niigata City to attend the 41st. All Japan Koi Show
It was incredible to see all those vats full of very special koi. The winners area in particular contained fish that dreams are made of
The show was held in Niigata City at the Toki Messi.
When I first walked into the massive hall and gazed upon all the show tanks, I felt like the theme from the movie 2001:A Space Odyssey should be playing. It was really overwhelming
We first arrived late afternoon on thursday and got a sneak peak during the setup - the show really opens to the public on Saturday. Friday is closed as that is when all the judging takes place
Finally seeing this sign
was exciting
Fish were still arriving
when we showed up
A stellar kohaku with an
a amazing pattern
I was hoping Darren would
not fall in this tank, he may have been eaten
These 2 kohaku almost outweighed me
With so many fish, there really wasn't enough time to study all of them in detail. Many vats had several fish and everywhere you turned there was a fish you would love to take home. After this experience, my collection, albeit average at best, was looking woefully inadequate
The bodies on many of these fish were astounding being well muscled and aesthetically shaped. Patterns and color were also great so the whole package was their
pretty cool
I didn't know, but an exact replica of each years grand champion is constructed and presented to the fishes owner. We saw a former grand champion sanke displayed at the Torazo Farm
champions
Mature Champion 70bu
Best in Variety Champion
Kawari
Taisho Sanke
"National Fish"
grand champion kohaku
What can you say about a fish like this ? Perfect tail stop, and a pattern that will attract both those who like a standard 3 step pattern as well as those who like a little more flare. That raindrop of beni off of the first plate and the kuchibeni are amazing. Excellent Dainichi fish, and the word was that Dainichi sold a lot of fish right after the show
Show Classes General Division [19 Classes]
Kohaku
Taisho Sanke
Showa Sanshoku
Utsurimono
Hikari Muji
Hikari Moyo
Asagi
Shusui
Goshiki
Kawari Variety
A Ginrin [Gosanke]
B Ginrin [other than A]
Bekko
Hikari Utsuri
Tancho
Koromo
Doitsu Koi [not Shusui, Hikarimono or Kumonryu]
Kujaku [including Doitsu Kujaku]
Kumonryu
Male Koi Division [7 Classes]
Kohaku
Taisho Sanke
A Ginrin [Gosanke]
Showa Sanshoku, Utsurimono
Hikarimono
Doitsu Koi [not including Shusui, Hikarimono
Kawari [those other than the mentioned 6 varieties]