Azukari: At Narita Koi Farm
- Kevin Warren
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Narita Koi Farm: Art has it's place in Life
Narita Koi Farm owner Ryuki Narita has a love of art he's happy to express.
In Japan, Azukari—meaning “custody” or “in care of”—is a long-standing tradition within the world of Koi culture and Nishikigoi breeding. It refers to the practice where koi breeders or koi dealers house and care for client fish, including Tosai and Nisai, within their own expertly maintained facilities. For many Japanese koi enthusiasts and Koi Collectors, Azukari represents peace of mind—the assurance that their koi are being cared for by experts in the same ponds where championship koi are raised.
The most common reason for using Azukari is when a young Tosai or Nisai NIshikigoi is purchased. The Breeder or in the case of Narita Koi Farm, the koi dealer, applies specialized skills in feeding regimens, veterinary care, and monitoring the development of high-quality Japanese koi.
Why Koi Owners Choose Azukari
Preparation for Koi Shows in Japan
Often, Azukari is chosen when a Nishikigoi is destined for prestigious competitions like the All Japan Koi Show. If the owner lives overseas, it is best for the Japanese koi to remain in Japan. Transporting koi long distances can be stressful, and keeping them in the care of expert koi breeders ensures they stay in peak condition for upcoming shows.
For Enthusiasts Without Private Koi Ponds
Some koi hobbyists live near the Azukari facility, such as Narita Koi Farm, but do not have the means to build or maintain their own pond. Azukari allows these collectors to stay active in the Nishikigoi community, visiting their koi whenever they wish while entrusting care to experienced professionals.
Collectors Who Value Authenticity
Serious koi collectors and long-time followers of Japanese fish breeding often prefer their valuable koi to remain under the supervision of the breeder who raised them. This guarantees consistency in feeding, water quality, and koi care, protecting the fish’s health and beauty over time.
A Spa for Champion Nishikigoi
In many ways, Azukari facilities are like exclusive retreats, resorts for the best Nishikigoi in the world. Here, koi enjoy pristine water, balanced nutrition, and expert oversight, much like the rejuvenating spa experience we humans seek for ourselves.
Narita Koi Farm and the Art of Luxury Care
Narita Koi Farm is one the top Dealers of Nishikigoi in Japan and the world. Ryuki Nariita is on a constant mission, visiting top breeders, hand-selecting the finest Japanese koi to offer his clients. Narita Koi Farm is known for their Champion Nishikigoi, Narita’s champions have earned top honors at the All Japan Koi Show—the pinnacle event organized by the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. It comes as no surprise that Narita Koi Farm clients span the globe.
As an Azukari facility, Narita Koi Farm maintains an exceptionally high standard of care and cleanliness. It’s rare I visit and don’t see staff cleaning, polishing, and maintaining each area to perfection. Given the liability of being responsible for what can be very expensive fish, these health and safety, best practices, are what you want in an Azukari facility you entrust your Nishikigoi with.
From cleaning feed boxes at each pond to scrubbing floors, details matter.
Responsibility and Transparency in Azukari
Each koi entrusted to Azukari care undergoes regular health inspection. Fish are individually bowled, checked for health issues, and documented through high-quality photographs and video. This transparency allows clients—many living abroad—to remain personally connected to their koi’s development and well-being.
These detailed records also serve as evidence of the breeder’s or dealer’s commitment to proper care, ensuring the koi’s continued health, vibrant color, and balanced development. Through such dedication, trust and accountability remain at the heart of Azukari culture.
Documenting client fish in Azukari care is a team effort at Narita Koi
Peace of Mind in Expert Hands
If I had koi under Azukari care at Narita Koi Farm, I would rest easy knowing they were being nurtured in an environment shaped by experience, passion, and discipline. Every aspect of care reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Narita’s philosophy embodies the essence of Nishikigoi itself—where patience, respect, and mastery unite to create living art. It is this harmony between tradition and devotion that makes Azukari at Narita Koi Farm truly extraordinary.
Through expert Japanese koi care, deep knowledge of koi culture, and long-standing ties to the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association, Narita continues to inspire koi collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
