outings: 41st. All Japan koi show

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
  • Seeing the show sign for the first time meant it was really happening
  • Fish were still arriving in bags when we showed up
  • This kohaku had an amzing pattern and skin quality
  • The big 80cm yamabuki was dwarfed
  • We spent 3 days at the show taking in all the koi



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 [pictured right]. We saw a former grand champion glass sanke displayed at the Torazo Farm
koi winner
  • Mature Champion 70 bu
  • Best in Variety Champion
  • Kawarimono Class
  • Huge body on this Sanke
  • We watched this fish get bagged up for the show at the farm












All Japan Koi 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]
  • A textbook great goshiki
  • unbelievable doitsu
  • interesting kohaku
  • quite a shcool of red
  • great tancho goshiki

grand champion all japan koi show 2010

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

41st. All Japan Koi Show 2010 Video