Page 27 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 17

THE START OF

SUMMER IN NIIGATA

Martin Symonds of Japan Koi Export.

Martin Symonds has been visiting and buying Koi in
Japan since 1981. Since then he has shipped 10,000’s
of Koi worldwide and 100’s of Koi enthusiasts have
joined him on buying trips in Japan. He started living in
Ojiya City and Mushigame back in 2000, working
closely with the breeders there. Over the last 38 years
his close relationship with the breeders and with
Japanese culture has become unique. He started
Japan Koi Export (JKX) in 2002 with his associate René
Villela, they now ship and offer buying trips to dealers
and hobbyists from all over the world who would like to
Martin Symonds.
buy Koi throughout the year with them in Niigata. They
run the popular Koi Masterclass in autumn and later
this year will see them launch KoiVision TV, and Martin
is writing his book ‘Carp to Koi’. Martin has always
been fascinated by the breeders’ histories and life
in the mountains and Japanese culture.
AS I FLY OVER Looking down from my plane as I fly over the Sea of
Japan, the route soon takes us over Niigata and it was
THE SEA OF easy to see that the snow on the mountains had nearly
gone. It had only been four weeks since I had left but
JAPAN THE the speed of the change was very noticeable. It made
ROUTE SOON me think how extreme the weather conditions are here
all year round and how this gives the breeders a
TAKES US formidable challenge year-on-year to produce and
grow their Koi.
OVER NIIGATA
Above: Mano san of Izumiya Koi Farm and
Sakai san of Yamamatsu Koi Farm had Arriving at Haneda airport in Tokyo early in the morning
arranged a dinner for Martin and René at makes sure I can be up in Niigata by mid-morning. On
Mano san’s favourite fish restaurant. arriving at our home and JKX office in Ojiya, René told
me that Mano san of Izumiya Koi Farm and Sakai san
Martin is currently writing his book ‘Carp to Koi’
but has written many articles about Koi which of Yamamatsu Koi Farm had arranged a dinner for us
have been published throughout the world. that night at Mano san’s favourite fish restaurant. These

26 27