Koi Breeders: Stories, Insights & Photography

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.

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.

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

It's breeding season across the Koi Farms of Japan in late spring/early summer. Each breeder is pairing up his best females with the males

This is a story about From Fry to Flight: A Koi Journey.

Welcome to Koi Waters. We invite you to explore and enjoy the world of Nishikigoi, delve into specialized koi...

High in the Yamakoshi Mountains area of Niigata Prefecture lies Marushin Koi Farm.

Koi, often referred to as "living jewels," are admired for their intricate patterns, vivid colors, and serene elegance. Behind their beauty lies an extraordinary cultural heritage deeply rooted in Japan's Niigata Prefecture. This region is the birthplace of Nishikigoi, or ornamental carp, and its koi breeders have become world reknowned. This post explores the fascinating history of koi breeding in Niigata, from modest agricultural beginnings to their current status as prize

Tosai, a year-old Nishikigoi, are born in approximately June using indoor ponds and techniques developed by Nishikigoi breeders. After...