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to The NishikiGoi
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and your future growth.
The Birth and History Of Nishikigoi
The Nishikigoi, often hailed as the king of ornamental fish, is a treasure Japan proudly shares with the world. Its history spans over 200 years, originating in the late Edo period. In what is now the Yamakoshi area of Nagaoka City and the eastern part of Ojiya City in Niigata Prefecture—formerly known as Nijuumura—severe winter snowfalls isolated the region. This led to the thriving winter breeding of crucian carp as a vital food source. The emergence of sudden genetic mutations that produced new colors and patterns is believed to have marked the birth of Nishikigoi.
Villagers, fascinated by these variations, began breeding and refining these fish through trial and error, creating distinct breeds. A pivotal moment came in 1914 at the Tokyo Taisho Exposition in Ueno Park, where about twenty Nishikigoi, then known as "Kawarigoi," were exhibited and won a silver medal. The event, attended by 7.5 million people, greatly boosted Nishikigoi’s prominence. Even Crown Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Showa) took a liking to them, bringing some to the Imperial Palace, which further elevated their status as an art form.
In 2022, Nishikigoi reached another milestone when significant terms and the names of 21 varieties were standardized under the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS). Today, Nishikigoi is a symbol of the Japanese brand and a critical export item. Through the dedication of breeders, over 150 varieties have been developed and are cherished worldwide.
About Shinkokai USA
We are Shinkokai USA!
Our promotion association was established in January 1970 as the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association, and was incorporated as a general incorporated association in May 2020.
Members are composed of koi breeders, dealers, and operators of koi-related products. There are 299 domestic members in Japan and 223 overseas members, for a total of 522 members. (As of the end of December 2023)
Nishikigoi, now also known as the “national fish Nishikigoi”, has become one of Japan’s leading export products and is included in the list of key export items. Read More ...
USA Members
General Incorporated Association All USA Nishikigoi Promotion Association
Founded in 1997 just outside Los Angeles, California, Mystic Koi has become one of the premier importers of koi in the United States. Our store not only features a beautiful retail environment with display ponds..
RNR Koi JR
RNR Koi and RNR Advantage SS provide everything needed for a thriving koi pond. As experts in pond filtration, we manufacture custom-made filtration systems to exact pond specifications...
Devin Swanson
Devin Swanson is the first and only person to date who has been granted a Cultural Studies Visa for the study of Nishikigoi by the Japanese government. At 17 years old Devin was invited to begin a three-year...
Tom Champion koi
Tom Lai is the Treasurer of Shinkokai USA and the founder of Champion Nishikigoi, the largest Japanese koi importer in the United States. With over 20 years of dedicated service...
Upcoming USA Koi Shows
The 12th International Junior Koi show
Date : April 19 and 20, 2025
Place : Ojiya city Gymnasium Community Plaza
Address : 4915, Sakura-Machi, Ojiya city, Niigata
Host : General Incorporated Association All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association
Tel : 0258-83-3345
The 12th International Junior Koi show
Date : April 19 and 20, 2025
Place : Ojiya city Gymnasium Community Plaza
Address : 4915, Sakura-Machi, Ojiya city, Niigata
Host : General Incorporated Association All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association
Tel : 0258-83-3345
