Q&A

Nishikigoi can be purchased at speciality koi shops, home improvement stores, pet shops, and online. The term “koi shop” typically includes three main types: “breeders” who breed koi, “retailers” who buy and sell koi, and “breeder-retailers” who are involved in both breeding and selling koi. “bleeders” who breed koi, “retailers” who buy and sell koi, and “breeder-retailers” who are involved in both breeding and selling koi.
Among “breeders,” there are those who only wholesale to retail stores and others who sell to retail stores and hobbyists. If you are looking for a nearby retail store, please search from the association’s directory.
With the increasing trend of online sales, it’s possible to purchase koi from anywhere. However, there are potential concerns, such as diseases. Therefore, we recommend purchasing from retail stores that are affiliated with the All Japan Koi Promotion Association to ensure quality and health standards are met.
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While Nishikigoi are often seen as a symbol of luxury, they are available for purchase at prices as low as 500 yen or 1000 yen, making them accessible for beginning hobbyists. On the other hand, the koi, such as the Kohaku (9 years old, 101cm, bred by Sakai Koi Farm in Hiroshima), which fetched the highest price in history at an auction, reaching 230 million yen. Despite this exceptional price, Nishikigoi are available for everyone in various price ranges, from affordable home aquariums to extravagant ones for Koi Shows, depending on factors like type, size, and gender. Nishikigoi bring enjoyment to people of all generations.

Through ongoing improvements to achieve “greater beauty” and “increased size,” Nishikigoi, which exceeds one meter in length, has been bred. Particularly, varieties closer to the original species, known as “Mujimono,” tend to grow larger. On the other hand, Nishikigoi can adapt their growth to the rearing environment, such as tanks or ponds. Therefore, they can remain small when raised in small tanks or be encouraged to grow larger when raised in larger ponds. An appealing aspect of Nishikigoi is their ability to be raised in various containers.

It is often said that no two koi have the same pattern. There are over 140 varieties of Nishikigoi, and this diversity is one of their charms. Crossbreeding with different varieties has produced many Nishikigoi with diverse colours and patterns. In Niigata Prefecture, known as the birthplace of koi, a significant number of Nishikigoi are bred, and new varieties emerge almost every year. At Koi Shows, they are categorized into 22 varieties based on their breed and physical characteristics. On November 6, 2022, these classifications were officially recognized as Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS).
Variety

The average lifespan of Nishikigoi is around 30 years, but with proper care, they can live for more than 80 years. They are known for their long lifespan compared to other pets. However, as Nishikigoi grow older, their vibrant colours may fade, and their bodies may become bent. Consequently, their aesthetic appreciation and enjoyment are estimated to be around 12 to 15 years. (Here is Hanako, the world’s oldest Nishikigoi). The method of counting the age of Nishikigoi is different from that of humans. They are known as “tosaigyo” from hatching until approximately one year old, and after one year, they are called “nisaigyo”. For first-time koi owners, nisaigyo is recommended.

Koi shows are competitions where Nishikigoi’s beauty and care proficiency are assessed. Nishikigoi are judged based on three main criteria: “body shape,” “quality,” and “pattern.” Body shape is particularly emphasized, with well-formed koi having a solid skeletal structure and a plump body shape being highly valued. The All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association holds various Koi Shows across Japan every year, including the three major competitions known as the “All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show,” “Nishikigoi All Japan Young Koi Show,” and “The International Junior Koi Show.” Additionally, regional competitions such as the “District Koi Shows” held in the Kanto and Kansai regions and the “Prefectural Koi Shows” are conducted in each prefecture. Most of the competitions are free, so please feel free to come and join us. For information on the schedule of Koi Shows and other details about hosting events, please check the monthly magazine “Monthly Nishikigoi“, which is the official publication of the promotion association.