It’s a wild time to be a koi enthusiast in America. As the 2025 All-American Koi Show season approaches, koi dealers are flocking to Japan with dreams of landing “The One” — you know, the perfect koi that stops people in their tracks, with patterns so beautiful that it could hang in an art museum (assuming the museum could afford them).
Rumors are already swirling about koi changing hands for jaw-dropping prices, with some dealers whispering about fish valued between $600,000 and $800,000. Yes, that’s the price of a luxury home swimming in your pond!
But this isn’t just about dollar signs. It’s about prestige, passion and a little bit of koi-kichi magic.
Seeking Perfect Koi in Japan
For these dealers, traveling to Japan is a mix of business, passion and just the right amount of chaos. This time of year, Japanese breeders — like the famed Sakai, Dainichi, Koda, Marujyu, Torazo and Marudo koi farms — drain their mud ponds, revealing their prized fish. These ponds are where koi grow large and develop their dazzling patterns, often unseen until harvest.
Once the koi are unveiled, it’s a bidding frenzy. (Think of it like a Sotheby’s auction, but with more splashing.) Dealers inspect body shape, color intensity and lineage, all while trying not to outbid their budgets. The stakes are high, because winning a top-tier koi in Japan could mean stealing the spotlight in Vegas!
And for those wondering — yes, it’s true. There are rumors of koi fetching upwards of $800,000 this year. The American koi world has officially entered the realm of supercars and fine art.
In the koi world, success isn’t just about spotting a great fish — it’s about earning access to it. Dealers with strong, longstanding relationships with Japan’s most prestigious breeders often secure koi of a quality that others can only dream of. These relationships built on trust and mutual respect give them first pick of the best fish during harvest season, ensuring they bring home koi with true championship potential.
What sets the top dealers apart is their connection to the Shinkokai, the Japanese professional koi breeders’ association. As members, these dealers adhere to the highest standards of quality, ethics and expertise, solidifying their status as leaders in the industry. Through Shinkokai, they gain access to Japan’s top farms and breeders, where premium koi are raised using techniques honed over centuries.
This insider access allows these dealers not only to import world-class koi but also to educate and inspire American hobbyists. By introducing koi of unparalleled quality, they are raising the bar for the U.S. koi scene, bringing the beauty and culture of Japanese koi keeping to enthusiasts across the nation.
These dealers don’t just sell koi. They’re on a mission to elevate the art form. And that mission starts in Japan.
Reigniting the Passion
2024 was a turning point for koi enthusiasts across the U.S. After years of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the koi hobby saw a resurgence with shows springing back to life. From longstanding events making their triumphant returns to exciting koi fests and national competitions, the energy around koi shows has reignited the passion of hobbyists everywhere.
For koi lovers, these events are more than competitions. They’re a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and artistry of the hobby. The thrill of hunting for the perfect koi, learning from seasoned experts and connecting with a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts are what keep them coming back. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out, koi shows offer a rare opportunity to see fish that inspire awe and spark dreams of raising a future champion.
These events have become hubs for education, inspiration and connection. Shows like the All-American Koi Show are now even offering expert panels, hands-on workshops and live demonstrations! These koi shows provide opportunities to deepen knowledge of koi care, pond design and water quality. They also foster camaraderie, bringing together backyard hobbyists, aspiring competitors and serious collectors to share their passion and experiences.
It’s the excitement of seeing koi like you’ve never seen before, the joy of connecting with like-minded individuals, and the thrill of discovering new possibilities that keep hobbyists hooked. Whether a local event or a national competition, koi shows continue to fuel the dreams and passion of the koi community across the country.
The All-American Koi Show
Since its explosive debut in 2024, the All-American Koi Show set new standards for koi competitions in the U.S. Hosted in the glitzy heart of Las Vegas, this show is more than a competition; it’s a spectacle. Last year’s event stunned attendees with koi valued at over $200,000, showcasing a level of quality rarely, if ever, seen by American hobbyists or professionals.
But the 2025 show promises to outdo itself. This year, they’re going big — not just in fish quality, but in scope. Classes for contractors are being added to the lineup, focusing on koi keeping, koi pond design, filtration systems and the art of creating backyard paradises. From first-time pond builders to seasoned pros and hobbyists, there’s something for everyone. Imagine learning pond-design tips from the top dogs in the industry while million-dollar koi glide by in nearby tanks.
As koi dealers return from Japan with their prized finds, the countdown to koi season and the largest U.S. koi show begins. Behind the scenes, koi are pampered like royalty, with pristine water quality, top-notch diets and prep sessions to enhance their beauty. All this will prepare them to dazzle both the Japanese judges and spectators. By the time they hit the show floor, these koi will be nothing short of breathtaking.
The All-American Koi Show isn’t just a competition — it’s a celebration of art, passion and the incredible journey that brings these living jewels to the world stage. Whether you’re a dealer, a hobbyist or just someone who loves the idea of a fish worth more than a Ferrari, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
For koi enthusiasts, this event isn’t just a show — it’s a celebration of a shared passion for one of the most beautiful and culturally rich fish in the world. As koi swim under the bright lights of Las Vegas, they will embody the dedication and artistry of breeders, dealers and caretakers alike.
With Japan the heartbeat of the industry and America the stage for rising stars, the future of competitive koi shows looks brighter than ever!
About the author: Stephen Tuazon is a graphic designer and media manager at W. Lim Corporation, where he creates impactful and creative visual designs to support the company’s branding and marketing initiatives, which include the All-American Koi Show.
