Japanese Koi (Nishikigoi): Varieties, Regions, Shows & Seeing Koi in Japan

A neutral English encyclopedia of Japanese nishikigoi built only from public sources: Wikipedia (CC), MAFF and trade statistics, the JAS variety standard (2022), the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association, Niigata, Ojiya and facility officials, JNTO, and destination authorities (USDA APHIS, Australian DAFF).

This guide takes the Japan side of the subject: the variety system anchored on the Gosanke, the producing regions and public facilities, how shows judge champions, how to see real koi in Japan, and the factual outline of import rules. It does not run a breeder or shop database, publish prices, diagnose fish, or teach a husbandry course.

Start here: new to koi? Read What is nishikigoi?, then the varieties hub. Visiting Japan? Start with Nishikigoi no Sato and Planning a koi trip.

Featured pages

Kohaku
White with red — the foundation variety and 2026 champion's variety.Sanke vs Showa
The one-page key to the classic look-alike pair.Nishikigoi no Sato, Ojiya
About 40 varieties under one roof in the birthplace city.All Japan Koi Show
1,843 entries in 2025; a 100 cm Kohaku champion in 2026.13 Groups & the JAS 21
How the variety system is organised.Import rules — entry points
US, UK/EU and Australia general conditions and official checks.

Browse the guide

Varieties (16) · Regions & facilities (9) · Shows (6) · Guides & basics (13)

Sources: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA — summary in our own words, credit only); All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association official; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and Finance Ministry trade statistics as published; Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) for nishikigoi variety names and definitions (2022); Niigata Prefecture, Ojiya City, Nagaoka City (Yamakoshi) and Nishikigoi no Sato official; Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) visitor statistics; USDA APHIS and Australian DAFF official import guidance. Checked 6 November 2026.