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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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Kohaku that have glittering scales of golden and silver colours are called
Ginrin Kohaku. Today those glittering scales appear in every variety of
Nishikigoi. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Yamabuki Ogon was produced through a number of improvements with Kinhire,
Kinkabuto and Ogon. Its entire body is a bright, yellowish gold. |
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There are Shiro (white), Hi (red) and Ki (yellow) Utsuri. They have large
Sumi patterns like brush strokes on their single body colour. |
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Showa Sanshoku has Hi markings plus Sumi markings like brush strokes. Their
name Showa is associated with their birth during the Showa Era. |
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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. |
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Taisho Sanshoku has Hi markings as do the Kohaku with sporadic large or
small clusters of Sumi markings. |
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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. |
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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. |
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[Variety]Karashigoi (mustard coloured koi)
[Age]14 years old
[Length]101 cm
[Weight]19 kg
[Owner]
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| Its nickname came from its variety Karashi’s hot sharp taste in Japanese. |
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[Variety]Kohaku
[Age]5 years old
[Length]？
[Weight]？
[Owner]Mr. Tsurutaro Kataoka (Japanese actor)
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| He became the owner of this Kohaku when he visited here while shooting
a TV traveling programme. |
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[Variety]
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[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.
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