High on the forested slopes of Mount Mitaki, northwest of central Hiroshima, stands Mitaki-dera: Hiroshima's Mountain Temple, and one of western Japan’s most atmospheric Buddhist temples.

For koi dealers, brokers, passionate collectors, and investors, the autumn harvest auctions at Japan’s top breeder farms mark one of the most anticipated chapters of the year.

This is The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT), one of Japan’s largest exhibition spaces, and a very different kind of national museum.

Every autumn in Japan’s koi-breeding regions, the quiet mud ponds begin to come alive. Koi breeders—farmers in their own right—walk the mud-pond banks before sunrise, checking on their prized Nishikigoi and the condition of the ponds themselves.

Mud ponds are not ornamental. They are working agricultural ponds designed to grow koi the way rice fields grow crops: slowly, naturally, and with deep knowledge of the land.

The Portland Japanese Garden and koi pond combine, causing visitors to linger, captivated by the colors and calm movement of the fish.

Explore the Japanese tradition of Azukari: at Narita Koi Farm—where prized Nishikigoi remain under expert care, nurtured in Japan’s finest koi facilities until they reach their full potential.

In this interview with Manabu Ogata: Japanese Koi Master, we see why Japan, the birthplace of Nishikigoi, remains the center of excellence for the finest koi in the world.

The following list of links represents only a portion of the Shinto, Buddhist, or non-religious Japanese Gardens of Japan.

At Koi Waters, we believe in preserving the connection between breeders and hobbyists by providing direct access to this Japanese Koi Breeders Online Directory

This list of Koi Pond Suppliers is meant to provide you with links to companies that can help you.

This story is a data-driven project intended to present a clear picture of what Japan’s Global Exports of Nishikigoi looks like.