Manabu Ogata: Japanese Koi Master
- Kevin Warren
- Oct 3
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 14
The Journey of Manabu Ogata
One of the qualities that drew me into the world of Japanese Nishikigoi—especially toward the renowned Koi Breeders of Japan—is the authenticity of their purpose. The so-called “old-timer” breeders are not driven by profit alone; they are sustained by passion, a pride in purpose, as well as a commitment to raising Japanese Koi that embody the spirit, beauty and culture of Japan itself.
In this interview with Manabu Ogata: Japanese Koi Master, we see why Japan, the birthplace of Nishikigoi, remains the world’s leading center for koi fish art, koi fish breeding, and traditional Japanese koi culture.
Apprenticeship in Ojiya Niigata
Born and raised in Kurume, Japan, Ogata-san made the deliberate choice to move to Ojiya, Niigata, where he apprenticed under master breeder Ichiro Mano of Izumiya Koi Farm. In Japanese Koi culture, apprenticeship has always been more than training—it is a way of life. Finding one’s sensei—a teacher—has long been central to mastering the skills required to produce koi that stand among the very best in the world of Nishikigoi and Japanese koi breeding.
Apprenticeships in Japan also cultivate the next generation of masters in rice farming, Japanese gardens, traditional crafts, and other cultural practices that define Japan’s heritage, artistry, and cultural excellence.
The Ogata Koi Farm Begins
After six years of study in Ojiya, Niigata, Manabu-san returned to his hometown on the island of Kyushu, Japan, where he established his own Nishikigoi Farm with the support of his wife and parents. Half a century later, Ogata Koi Farm is recognized worldwide, and Ogata-san himself stands as a celebrated Japanese Koi Master, respected across the global Koi fish community and Japanese koi Culture for his vision, persistence, and skill in raising top-quality Nishikigoi.
Ogata-San is a testament to the path of the traditional Japanese Koi breeder—a path where tradition, patience, and pride converge to create "living jewels," known otherwise as Nishikigoi, the finest koi fish in the world.
Questions and Answers:
Insight from the renowned Manabu Ogata
Where did your love for koi come from? Most koi breeders follow in their father's or family's footsteps, but you chose this path yourself.
I was born the second son of a family of full-time farmers. My middle school art teacher gave me some Nishikigoi fry and I started raising them in my father's rice paddies. I was fascinated by the way the fry grew and developed various patterns, and I decided to make a living as a Nishikigoi breeder.
Is there a lesson you are most grateful for from Mr. Ichiro Mano? If not, I understand.
His love for Nishikigoi, his keen observation skills, and his determination to produce high-quality koi.
Are there any breeders or people in the industry that you currently respect?
Mr. Sakai (Sakai Fish Farm) as a breeder and Mr. Narita (Narita Koi Farm) as a distributor.
What has been the biggest change since you started breeding?
When I started producing Nishikigoi in 1972, I never imagined that Nishikigoi would captivate people overseas and that enthusiasts would emerge all over the world. Back then, 100% of sales were domestic, but now 95% are exported overseas. I think this shows how much people overseas have come to recognize the appeal and value of Nishikigoi.
I first met and photographed you at the Las Vegas Koi Show in the United States. Is it enjoyable for you to travel as a part of the koi world?
It makes me very happy that the traditional beauty of Japanese Nishikigoi is loved by people all over the world, and it gives me great joy to encounter Nishikigoi imported from Japan in various places overseas. It makes my travels even more meaningful.
Do you think Nishikigoi are a place for cultural exchange connecting Japan with the world? What role do you think they play?
I believe Nishikigoi serve as a bridge of exchange between Japan and the world, bringing healing to people all over the world and playing an important role in helping us live in harmony and peace.
If you could impart some of the knowledge you have cultivated to someone just starting out in koi farming, what would it be?
It has been 50 years of hard work trying to produce high-quality koi. The most important thing in producing high-quality koi is daily monitoring of their health and responding appropriately.
After all these years, what is the driving force that keeps you going?
It is just one thing: a passion for producing high-quality koi!
[About Ogata Koi Farm]
How many indoor ponds does the main koi farm I visited have?
We have a total of 10 greenhouse ponds, each with 92 concrete ponds.
Could you please tell me the sizes of the ponds and how many of each size there are?
We have 23 small 10-ton ponds for sale and display, 45 50-ton ponds for rearing, and 14 large 150-250-ton ponds for carp breeding. We have a variety of ponds of various sizes for different purposes.
Where are the mud ponds? How many are there? How many yearlings and other fish do they contain?
We have 70 fry ponds, covering a total of 4 hectares, located about 300 meters from the company. We also have 8 natural ponds, covering a total of about 20 hectares, located about 30 to 2 hours from the company.
We stock 3,500 two-year-olds and about 150 three- and four-year-olds in these eight locations.
On average, how many yearlings are born each year at your farm?
We produce almost every variety. We produce approximately 150,000 to 200,000 fish per year.
I'd like to add that it is Benigoi that are the famous standouts at Ogata Koi Farm.
How many staff did you employ when you first started?
When we first started, it was just our family, my parents and my wife.
How many employees do you currently employ?
Currently, we have 13 staff members, including part-timers.
Last question: What do you want to see for the future of Nishikigoi?
I hope that Nishikigoi, which originated in Japan, will spread throughout the world, be loved by people as a symbol of peace and prosperity, and help soothe tired bodies and minds, helping to create a richer, more comfortable world.
Enlightenment from a journey to Ogata Koi Farm
The more my own journey continues, meeting Japanese Koi breeders, and traveling across Japan, the more encouraged I am about the future of Nishikigoi and Japanese Koi Culture. Breeders like Manabu Ogata continue to attract young talent coming to their farms eager to gain knowledge and nurture their own love of Nishikigoi. The future of legendary Japanese koi from Japan is not in jeopardy.
Today, the young talent often have an education in Aquaculture from institutions across Japan. Aquaculture study is utilized in commercial fish farms for feeding the billions of people we now have inhabiting our earth. It’s this science of breeding, learned knowledge, passed between breeders in the mountains of Ojiya now taught in university that shows how much the Nishikigoi world has given back.
Phylum Chordata, which has replaced the Latin ‘Pisces,’ meaning fish, equates to a “Life Form.” I find it a perfect fit that Nishikigoi, aka Phylum Chordata or Life Form, are part of the Buddhist culture of Japan. The Buddhist relationship to all life forms is one of universal interconnectedness, compassion, and non-harming.
This brings us back to Manabu San's inspiring words: "I hope that Nishikigoi, which originated in Japan, will spread throughout the world, be loved by people as a symbol of peace and prosperity, and help soothe tired bodies and minds, helping to create a richer, more comfortable world." Well said, Mr. Ogata, and a sentiment that reflects the enduring beauty and significance of Japanese koi culture.
Exploring Ogata Koi Farm-Nishikigoi Breeder
A typical day at a Japanese Koi Farm is made up of many tasks that need to be done. Documenting Nishikigoi, veteranary care, sorting fish, feeding and maintenance. The skills required encompass a range of specialtiess.
