For koi lovers, there is nothing quite like a koi show. It is a special time to meet friends, learn from each other, and celebrate the beauty of koi. Whether you are just starting in this hobby or you have many years of experience, koi shows are a wonderful way to enjoy and grow your passion.
The koi hobby is growing and its presence in the USA is on the rise, this is in part due to koi dealers partnering with the different organizations to host koi shows, such as The All American Koi Show and the Tri-State ZNA Koi Show at Koi Fest as well the Dallas Koi Show held at Aquashella. These recent shows were all partnered with different organizations and if you are heading to a show in the near future, it may be important to know how the organizations, rules and prizes differ. I hope this will help you feel closer to this amazing part of our koi world.
Different Organizations Behind Koi Shows
Many groups around the world host koi shows. Each group has its own history and way of doing things, but all of them share one heart — to promote the love of koi.
In Japan, the most famous organizations are Zen Nippon Airinkai (ZNA) and All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association (JNPA aka Shinkokai). The ZNA is one of the oldest and most respected hobbyist groups. They have chapters all over the world and also host the ZNA International Koi Show in Japan, which celebrated it’s 60th anniversary this past fall. The JPNA, otherwise known as Shinkokai is made up of professional breeders and dealers. They host the world renowned All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show or in short, AJKS (All Japan Koi Show). The AJKS celebrated its 55th anniversary this past winter.
Additionally, in the United States, there are many koi clubs and groups such as the North America District of ZNA. They have many koi clubs or chapters across the country. If you are interested in joining a chapter near you, visit their website at https://www.znaamerica.org.
There are also many clubs that do not belong to ZNA such as: the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club, the Central California Koi Society, the Washington Koi and Water Garden Society, the Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish Society, the Southwest Koi and Pond Association, the Florida East Coast Koi and Pond Club, the Koi Club of San Diego and so many more!
Each group works hard to teach, support, and bring happiness to koi keepers everywhere. If you have a chance to join one near you, I truly recommend it.
Understanding the Rules
Every koi show has rules to make judging fair and to protect the koi. The rules might be a little different from show to show, but the most important ideas remain the same. Let’s examine the All Japan Nishikigoi Show by Shinkokai.
For entries, koi will be separated by size and varieties. In Japan, size typically goes by 5cm or 2 in, while in the United States, it often goes every 10cm or 4 in. “Bu” in Japanese means division or section.
Typically, 15 Bu is for any koi up to 15cm. 20 Bu is for koi from 15 to 20cm. In addition, for koi over 55 Bu (about 22 in.), there are separate male and female divisions that are judged separately. This is because females have more advantages in size and body.
Understanding the Judging
When judges look at koi, they focus on the following four main attributes: body, quality, finish and pattern.
Body: This is the most important item, especially the larger the adult koi, the larger the weight. It is important that there is no distortion and that the body lines are even on both sides. Also, koi that are plump and have a well-balanced amount of meat from the head to the tailpiece are highly valued.
Quality: Although it is difficult to describe in words, judges look for clear colors, for example, they look for a scarlet spot which is thick red, ink that is black, and skin that is white. The more uniform and clear each color is, the higher the evaluation will be.
Finish: This item also depends on the physical condition of the koi at the time. A koi with a shiny red or ink color and a white background as beautiful as white porcelain is said to have a “good finish”.
Pattern: People have their own preference for patterns, but for red and white koi, judges tend to prefer round dots, three-tiered or four-tiered koi, and for Taisho Sanshoku, they tend to prefer koi with shoulder ink.
Different Types of Prizes
At every koi show, there are many different prizes. Taking the All Japan Koi Show by Shinkokai as an example, let me list the prizes and how they are decided.
Champion Prizes: The Champion Prizes are for the best koi in the whole show and there are different levels of koi within this category.
Grand Champion: The best koi in the whole show.
Colossal Champion (Reserve Grand Champion): The best koi among 85 Bu to 95 Bu.
Male Colossal Champion: The best male koi among 85 Bu to 95 Bu.
Superior Champion: The best koi among 75 Bu to 80 Bu.
Male Superior Champion: The best male koi among 75 Bu to 80 Bu.
Mature Champion: The best koi among 60 Bu to 70 Bu.
Male Mature Champion: The best male koi among 60 Bu to 70 Bu.
Adult Champion: The best koi among 45 Bu to 55 Bu
Young Champion: The best koi among 30 Bu to 40 Bu
Baby Champion: Best Koi among 12 Bu to 25 Bu
In most koi shows in the United States, there are no male divisions. Therefore male and female koi will be judged alongside one another. There is also, no Colossal Champion and Superior Champions. Instead, in the United States, there is a Reserve Grand Champion prize to refer to the second best at koi shows.
Kokugyo (Best in Size) Prizes: In Japan, the judges usually first assess for the best koi at the show, which is, The Grand Champion. Then, they work on selecting the best koi in each size, which is, The Kokugyo Prize. Out of the Kokugyo prize winners, the judges pick all the other champions. Once a Kokugyo prized koi is promoted to a champion, the second best koi in the size will be promoted to win the Kokugyo prize.
Best in Size: For the Best in Size Prizes, the best koi in every size class will be prized, excluding the champions above. In Japanese, Kokugyo means national fish, therefore, prizes are given out for each fish from 12 Bu Kokugyo prize all the way to 95 Bu Kokugyo prize.
Miyabi / Sakura / Tsubaki/ Botan Prizes: After major Champions and Kokugyo (Best in Size) prizes are chosen, the above prizes will be given to the best Koi from each group of MiyaQbi, Sakura, Tsubaki and Botan. The Champion title will be given to the best Koi of each group and there will be a Miyabi Champion, Sakura Champion, Tsubaki Champion, and Botan Champion.
Best in Variety Prizes: The next set of awards that are judged are for the best koi in each variety: Kohaku, Taisho Sanke, Showa, Shiro Utsuri, Goshiki, A Ginrin, B Ginrin, Hikari Kawarigoi, Kujyaku, Kawarigoi, Kumonryu, Doitsu, Hikari Moyo, Koromo, Tancho, Hikari Utsuri, Hikari Muji, Shusui, Asagi, Bekko, Hi Utsuri/Ki Utsuri, and Muji.
Special prizes: Often times, there can be special prizes as well. If you attend a koi show in the United States, you may see one of these special prizes:
Tategoi Prize: This prize goes to the best koi with future potential.
Friendship Prize: This prize is chosen by other clubs, that are at the show, but are not the host club.
President’s Prize: This is a special choice made by the host club’s president
People’s Choice Prize: This prize is awarded based on a vote by the visitors to the show
Best Doitsu Prize: This prize goes to the best scaleless koi
Most Unique Koi Prize: This prize goes to the most special, exotic, or rare koi.
Every prize tells a story. Sometimes it is the story of a koi raised with so much love for many years. Sometimes it is the story of a young koi with a bright and exciting future. Every trophy, every plaque, every ribbon shows the many hours of love and care from the hobbyist. Viewing all of the different types and quality of koi at a show, always leaves me with a feeling of deep respect.
Shinkokai USA is Here to Help
If you’re inspired to participate in a koi show but don’t know where to begin, don’t worry—help is available. The Shinkokai, Japan’s koi organization of professional breeders and dealers, has an official chapter in the United States made up of experienced, reliable members who are passionate about supporting hobbyists. Whether you have questions about Koi varieties, show preparation, or judging standards, they can point you in the right direction. Visit https://shinkokaiusa.com to learn more and get connected.
Every Show Is a Learning Opportunity
No matter if you win a prize or not, every koi show is a gift. Learn by seeing great koi. Meet breeders and hobbyists who have much wisdom. Feel the spirit of koi keeping.
I hope you will have a chance to attend a show near you and maybe some day, when you feel ready, I hope you will enter your koi. You will make memories you will never forget.
I look forward to seeing you at a koi show someday.
Thank you for always loving koi.
About the Author
Taro Kadoma is president of Kodama Koi Farm, the largest importer and distributor of quality Japanese koi in the US.
