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Charms of Nishikigoi
The city of Ojiya, population of about 40,000, is rich in natural surroundings. It is well known for its Nishikigoi farming as well as unique handicrafts, Ojiya Chijimi and Ojiya Tsumugi textiles. It was about 200 years ago when a farmer in Ojiya found some coloured carps among black ones. During the first stage, selective breeding of Nishikigoi was mainly carried on in this snowy district. Owing to koi farmers’ endeavours, Nishikigoi is now world-widely renowned as fish for appreciation. Each individual Nishikigoi’s markings are unique. At Nishikigoi no Sato, visitors can enjoy viewing genuine Nishikigoi that were born in Ojiya and raised by the skilled breeders in the clear melted snow.
Nishikigoi is broadly considered as a symbol of peace for there is no top dog or underdog among a group of Nishikigoi. They are all sensible and take to people easily.
You can enjoy keeping Nishikigoi of over one meter in a pond or mini-koi in an aquarium as an indoor ornament. They are quick in adapting themselves to their surroundings.
Matters of great importance in appreciation of Nishikigoi
There are three fundamental points to be observed for appreciation of Nishikigoi: body shape, colouring and markings.
Among those three, the body shape is the most important factor, common to all varieties of Nishikigoi.
Well-balanced, spindle-shaped body with well-developed muscles along the spine is ideal.
Deep, clear colouring of each mark, balanced marking patterns, the lustrous skin, orderly rows of scales etc.
Introduction of Nishikigoi at Nishikigoi no Sato
All of the koi on display at Nishikigoi no Sato are of Ojiya-bred. Their ages vary from 3 to 30 years old. Their length also varies from 50 to over 100 cm. There are typically 40 varieties of Nishikigoi being raised now.

Koromo

Koromo means “robed” in Japanese. Nishikigoi of this variety has the indigo blue colour overlapping the Hi patches. According to the hues of the covering, they are called Ai-goromo, Budo(grape)-goromo and Kuro (black)-goromo.
Ginrin Kohaku

Kohaku that have glittering scales of golden and silver colours are called Ginrin Kohaku. Today those glittering scales appear in every variety of Nishikigoi.
Kujaku

Kujaku means “peacock” in Japanese. Kujaku has the Hi patches of Kohaku, reticulated pattern peculiar to the Asagi variety, and strong metallic colour, which resemble the beauty of a peacock spreading its wings.
Kohaku

Kohaku is a white koi with red markings. According to the size and form of the markings, they are divided into several types; “Omoyo” patterns with large markings, “Komoyo” those with small markings, “Nidan” two-step type pattern, “Sandan” three-step pattern, “Inazuma (lightning shaped Hi)” and so on.
Yamabuki Ogon

Yamabuki Ogon was produced through a number of improvements with Kinhire, Kinkabuto and Ogon. Its entire body is a bright, yellowish gold.
Utsurimono

There are Shiro (white), Hi (red) and Ki (yellow) Utsuri. They have large Sumi patterns like brush strokes on their single body colour.
Showa Sanshoku

Showa Sanshoku has Hi markings plus Sumi markings like brush strokes. Their name Showa is associated with their birth during the Showa Era.
Asagi

This variety is considered to be the original strain of Nishikigoi. Its body colour is indigo blue or light-blue which is created by each scale with a dark center and light edges forming a beautiful reticular pattern.
Taisho Sanshoku

Taisho Sanshoku has Hi markings as do the Kohaku with sporadic large or small clusters of Sumi markings.
Tancho Kohaku

Kohaku with a single round Hi marking only on its head is called Tancho Kohaku after the Japanese crane “Tancho Tsuru (red-crested white crane)”. Today it is considered that every variety of Nishikigoi has Tancho sub-varieties.


Applications for owners of koi at Nishikigoi no Sato are invited!
The Nishikigoi purchased at Nishikigoi no Sato will be raised by our skilled staff members with scrupulous care throughout the year.
Let us introduce some of them.
Piriri

[Variety]Karashigoi (mustard coloured koi) 
[Age]14 years old 
[Length]101 cm 
[Weight]19 kg
[Owner]

Its nickname came from its variety Karashi’s hot sharp taste in Japanese.
Tsurutaro

[Variety]Kohaku
[Age]5 years old
[Length]?
[Weight]?
[Owner]Mr. Tsurutaro Kataoka (Japanese actor)

He became the owner of this Kohaku when he visited here while shooting a TV traveling programme.
Ryu (dragon)

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Chacha

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Matsuko

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Yamachan

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Tokiko

[Variety]
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There are a large number of koi, in addition to those above mentioned, at Nishikigoi no Sato. Please come and enjoy their elegant swimming manners in person. We look forward to your visits here at Nishikigoi no Sato.

す。


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Ojiya Nishikigoi no Sato, located in the birthplace of Nishikigoi, is a municipal institution where various historical materials of Nishikigoi are on display.
  1-8-22, Jonai, Ojiya City, Niigata 947-0028
  [Tel/Fax]0258-83-2233  [E-mail]nishikigoi@ojiyasunplaza.jp (Sorry, but we will apply to inquiries in Japanese only.)

[Ojiya-shi designated manager]
Foundation Ojiya-shi Industrial Development Center
  1-8-25, Jonai, Ojiya City, Niigata 947-0028  Tel: 0258-83-4800