Niigata Nishikigoi (Colored Carp)

 1　History of Nishikigoi​ (Colored Carp)

　Nishikigoi was born in the central part of Niigata, in Nijumurago, Koshigun, or modern Ojiya-shi and a part of Nagaoka City. It is said that they originated around 200 years ago (in the Edo Period) when black carp that had undergone a mutation were bred for beauty rather than as food. After that, in the Meiji era (1868-1912), new breeds such as Kohaku (red and white) were introduced. Taisho Sanshoku were introduced​ in the Taisho era (1912-1926), and Showa Sanshoku was introduced ​in the beginning of the Showa era (1926-1989), the . Currently there are over 140 different types of Nishikigoi.

　Nishikigoi was shown under the name “Echigo’s Unique Koi” at the 1914 Tokyo Taisho Exposition held in Ueno and spread from there across the country. In 1938 (Showa 13) they were also shown at a fair in America and received great praise.

　However, the breeders were hit hard and the number of them were decreased by the results of World War Ii, Starting over with a small number of Nishikigoi​, they revived the species, and in 1965 (Showa 40) the Nishikigoi boom began. In recent years, the species has spread to Europe, North America, and mainland Asia. Niigata boasts one of the cultural assets for which Japan is known, and the number of people around the world who love the “swimming work of art” is growing.

Three Species Representative of Nishikigoi​

Kohaku

Kohaku：A Kohaku has white base with a red pattern, this is the most popular colored carp and has the most basic features.

Taisho Sanshoku

Taisho Sanshoku: The Taisho Sanshoku has a white base with a red and black pattern. The name nishikigoi was given to the fish after this breed was created. It is very exemplary of nishikigoi.

Showa Sanshoku

Showa Sanshoku: The Showa Sanshoku features a black base with a red and white pattern. The black patterns at the base of its pectoral fins and head is considered the most fundamental part of its appearance.

2　Colored Carp Facts

A symbol of success in life

　There is a word called "Toryumon" (gateway to success), which comes from a Chinese legend that says that if a carp can climb the rapids, it will become a dragon. This was later linked to the expression "carp climbing a waterfall," and the sight of a carp climbing a waterfall came to be likened to success in life.This may also be one of the reasons why Nishikigoi are loved all over the world.

Nishikigoi are the World’s Elite

　A single nishikigoi may give birth to several hundreds of thousands young, but of them, only about 0.5% will go on to be shown for their colors or patterns. The ones who are selected for this can be said to be a kind of “swimming work of art”.

3　World Nishikigoi Summit

•   About this event

4　For inquries:

• If you would like to learn more about nishikigoi (for example, about varieties, how they are raised, lineage, history, or find links to other information):
  • 全日本錦鯉振興会HP＜外部リンク＞（All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association Homepage＜Link＞）
  • 一般社団法人新潟県錦鯉協議会＜外部リンク＞（Niigata Nishikigoi Conference＜Link＞）
• For inquiries regarding the purchase of nishikigoi:
  • All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association Homepage　Tel：0258-83-3345
  • Niigata Nishikigoi Conference　Tel：0258-94-6031
  • Fishery Cooperative of Ojiya City Nishikigoi 　Tel：0258-94-6032
• For information regarding breeding, illness, or other types of specialty skills:
  新潟県内水面水産試験場（Inland Water Fisheries Experiment Station）

For inquiries regarding this page:

Fisheries Division, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Inland Water Section
Niigata Prefectural Government Office 9th Floor
Shinko-cho 4-1, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata, 950-8570　Tel：025-280-5315