World Nishikigoi Summit was held in Niigata

On November 6, 2022, the "World Nishikigoi Summit" was held for the first time in Niigata Prefecture, the "birthplace of Nishikigoi".

In the presence of a diplomatic delegation consisting of ambassadors and other representatives of 21 countries and the Nishikigoi industry, the participants shared the history and appeal of Nishikigoi, the global expansion of Nishikigoi culture, and the future possibilities of Nishikigoi.

In addition, by adopting the "Niigata Declaration on the Promotion of Nishikigoi," we were able to convey to the world that our prefecture is the birthplace of Nishikigoi and that the countries participating in the summit will work together to promote Nishikigoi and economic and cultural exchange.

Date:
Sunday, November 6, 2022　10:00-15:30
Venue:
"Toki Messe" Niigata Convention Center (Marine Hall)
Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Participants:
Embassies in Japan, Nishikigoi industry participants, Japanese National Diet members, related societies, etc.
Approx. 150 persons
Participant countries(alphabetical order)
Argentina, Austria, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UK, Vietnam

1 Opening Ceremony
・Greeting from Organize：
　Mr.Hanazumi Hideyo（Governor of Niigata Prefecture）World Nishikigoi Summit Executive Committee Chairperson
・Greetings from Guests：
　Mr.Nomura Tetsuro　Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister（Substitute reading by Mr.Koya Takashi the Director General of the Fisheries Agency ）
　Mr.Hamada Yasukazu Alliance of Diet Members Promoting Nishikigoi Culture and Industry Chairperson （video message）
Mr.Taira Masaaki Secretary-General,Alliance of Diet Members Promoting Nishikigoi Culture and Industry

2.Keynote Speech
“Swimming Jewels”: The birth history of Nishikigoi and their charms.
Mr.Suga Yutaka Professor at Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, The University of Tokyo

He introduced the history and fascination of Nishikigoi, which originated in Japan, and through repeated breeding has become the highly artistic form it is today, attracting people.　

3 Panel Discussion
Moderator：Mr.Watanabe Kenichi Director, Cjpf Cool Japan Public-Private Partnership Platform, Cabinet Office,Government of Japan
Panelists：Mr.Taira Masaaki Secretary-General, Alliance of Diet Members Promoting Nishikigoi Culture and Industry;member of the House of Representatives
Mr.Shibuya Shuta Chairman and Representative Director, Fuller, Inc.
Mr.Hirasawa Hisashi Chair of the Board, All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association

Nishikigoi, a "swimming jewel" whose artistic value is recognized around the world and a "symbol of peace" that serves as a starting point for international exchange through donations and other means, was discussed in the context of digital, export, tourism, and Cool Japan as a potential catalyst for promoting economic and cultural exchange in the future.

4 Declaration from the summit
“Niigata Declaration on the Promotion of Nishikigoi”was declared by
Mr.Hanazumi Hideyo（Governor of Niigata Prefecture),World Nishikigoi Summit Executive Committee Chairperson.

[ Session1 ] The situation of Nishikigoi in each country
・United States of America : Mr. Andy Moo, Andrew’s Koi International
・The Netherlands : Mr. Robert Jan van den Enden, Ornafish Ceo
・Indonesia : Mr. Sugiarto Budiono, Apki
・Thailand : Mr.Bavornsak Supaton, Koimart Farm Thailand Ceo
・The United Kingdom: Mr.Andrew John Chatten, Ceo, Selective Koi Sales

The speakers reported on the status of Nishikigoi distribution, etc. in their respective countries, and shared with the attendees the expansion of Nishikigoi culture around the world and its potential to become a growing industry.

[ Session2 ] The variety criteria for Nishikigoi and Nishikigoi Certificate
・Mr.Higuchi Masahito Director at Inland Water Fisheries Experiment Station,Niigata Prefectural Office
・Mr.Yoshida Shunichi Vice-director, All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association　

International standardization of breed names and definitions was proposed in order to equalize the quality of Nishikigoi distributed around the world and to ensure proper distribution.

[ Session3 ] The jury eligibility criteria and online competition system
・Mr. Yoneyama Youichi Director at Fisheries Division, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Division , Niigata Prefectural Office
・Mr.Isa Mitsunori　Niigata Manager, Niigata District, All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association
・Mr.Fan Juｎ President, Sanshin Trading Co.Ltd

The presentation introduced the implementation and judging standards of Japanese breeders' fairs, and proposed international standards for Nishikigoi evaluation methods.
In addition, participants were able to experience an online Koi show system that utilizes AI judging.　

[ Closing Remarks ]
・Mr. Yoneyama Youichi Director at Fisheries Division, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Division , Niigata Prefectural Office
・Mr. Hirasawa Hisashi Chair of the Board, All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association

We were joined by 36 members of the diplomatic corps, including ambassadors and ministers from 21 embassies in Japan.

The "National Fish Nishikigoi" certificate and a panel showing the release ceremony held in the courtyard of the House of Representatives of the National Diet Building were displayed.

Visitors were welcomed at the World Nishikigoi Summit with a variety of exhibits.

The diplomatic corps deepened their understanding of the charm and history of Nishikigoi, and also experienced the diverse attractions of Niigata, including fireworks and food culture through the tour.

On November 6, the diplomatic corps toured the venue. They were able to see and touch the prefectural products and culture and to get a sense of the quality and high added value of our products.

The diplomatic corps was treated to a colorful display of Nishikigoi.