Page 35 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 9
P. 35
will only normally do this if the Koi is of high quality as
pond space is at a premium and only high quality Koi
will normally be grown on for customers.
One other important point to think about if leaving Koi
behind in Japan is if the Koi was to regrettably die. This
can be due to many reasons such as a predator,
exceptionally bad weather in the mountains or a
disease. But I have to say that cases are rare indeed
and it’s worth discussing it at the time of purchase. In
some cases a deal with the breeder can be achieved if
your Koi unfortunately dies and it is definitely worth
trying to do.
Two high quality Sanke will Make the most of it
be left to grow on in a mud
pond in Japan. Your time in Japan is precious and you will want to
spend most of it visiting the breeders and gaining a
Spend the first day or two just looking and try to fit in unique insight into Nishikigoi. However, you should also
as many breeders as possible. Don’t be put off asking take time to enjoy tours and see things that you would
to have Koi bowled up. Ask how much they are and try not normally see.
to get the best deal. Don’t feel awkward if you decide
Koi shows are of course a favourite, as is going to a Koi
to walk away without buying – it’s business to the Koi
auction or being involved in a Koi harvest. Bull fighting
breeder and it’s a job and they expect this.
is very popular in Ojiya, and many visitors really enjoy
DON’T BE PUT Other things you should be fully aware of and told by the experience – but don’t worry no bulls get hurt!
your guide is the history and experience each breeder Bull fighting is very popular
OFF ASKING has, and this should cover the health of their Koi. All in Ojiya, unlike Spanish bull Very popular in the spring are trips to see the Cherry
Blossom, while throughout the year you can enjoy
fighting this is a trial of
TO HAVE KOI breeders who are allowed to export Koi must have the strength, but don’t worry no coastal trips, visits to Japanese gardens, temples,
necessary health certification and this must be
bulls get hurt!
BOWLED UP displayed at their facility and should cover KHV and hobbyists’ ponds and excursions to Tokyo, Kyoto and
much more. Remember, you are coming to Japan, one
SVC and should be done twice a year. Your guide
of the most fascinating cultural countries in the world,
should be able to advise you on all this.
so don’t miss out on seeing what it has to offer.
No better feeling
The pros
Without doubt, one of the most satisfying things when
1. Coming to Japan is a unique cultural experience.
coming to Japan is finding that special Koi and buying
it direct from the breeder. Many of my customers buy 2. By visiting Japan the ‘Homeland of Koi’, you will get
Koi in Japan with the intention of leaving them there for the chance to see more Koi and varieties than you will
one or several years to watch them grow and develop ever see back in the UK.
before either shipping them back home or entering
3. Even in 2018 still only a small percentage of
them into Koi competitions within Japan.
foreigners have actually come to Japan to see Koi – and
Again, whoever you go with should be able to offer you you’ll be one of them.
help in doing this, as the breeders will look after the Koi
4. There will be Koi to fit all budgets, from Standard
for a yearly fee. Again, this all depends on how good an
quality to Show quality.
association they have with the breeders. Also, breeders
35 37
