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Yamatoya Koi Farm is situated in Shimane prefecture, about 2 hours drive from the nearest breeder. The farm is owned and run by Shiraishi-san, who breeds only Go-sanke varieties. |
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Here is the main fish house. These first seven photos were taken back in 2002 when I first visited. The pond in the forground contains Sansai, with the other two ponds containing Nisai. Nowadays, he uses the ponds the other way around, with all of the Nisai being in the larger pond. |
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This is Yamatoya's Jumbo Koi house, and nearly every one of these Koi was sold as Nisai, and left for growing on. |
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Here are two of the three ponds that Shiraishi-san uses for growing his Tosai through the Winter months. He generally only raises his Tosai to around 26~30cm in Springtime before sending them to the mud pond. |
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Here is the other pond that he uses for raising his Tosai, which again is very small. |
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It was Takeda-san that first recommended Yamatoya to me. Normally, I would decline an offer from one breeder, to take me to another. But, in this case, I made an exception, as I felt particularly comfortable with Takeda-san, and he was going there anyway. From left to right... Shirashi-san, me, Takeda-san. |
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Here is the very first Koi I bought from Yamatoya, Sansai, and about 55cm. She is still in good condition to this day. |
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Here are three of Yamatoya's fry raising ponds.. |
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This mud pond is for raising Sansai. |
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Nisai being harvested from one of the mudponds. |
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This pond contains larger Koi that are for sale. |
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Famous hobbyist viewing his lovely 85cm Yamatoya Kohaku |
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The 2009 All Japan Grand Champion... a wonderful Showa bred by Yamatoya Koi Farm. |
