October 2011 (20)
Well, today was spent at Okawa, and Ueno. At Okawa, I obtained a wonderful Nidan Kohaku from 'Honmei' line, and a beautiful Sanke of Momotaro Mako x Dainichi Sadazo lines.
Sadly, at Ueno, I drew a blank this time. I found a wonderful Nisai Showa, but her pectoral fins weren't quite right. The Koi was fantastic in every way, so it was such a shame. C'est la vie...
This morning, we are going to watch the last Nisai harvest at Okawa, and then head back up to Hiroshima.
Well, today we went to Takigawa Koi Farm, and then on to Omosako. Omosako have had superb results this year! I have bought three Shiro Utsuris, one of which is one of the absolute best! This Koi is amazing in every respect possible! A very rare animal indeed!
Next stop, is Okawa... I am not looking forward to the 4 1/2 hour drive... I will be at the farm on Sunday afternoon, so wish me luck :-) ...
On the 18th, I went to Matsue, and then Omosako. I spent my Birthday evening with Takahiro Omosako, as per every year.
Having sorted out with breeders as to what Koi they will have on what dates, I have now started to buy Koi. There are three Nisai from Matsue, and two from Takigawa. It should be duly noted that the smaller of the two Takigawa Koi was in a mud pond with all it's siblings whereby the Koi hadnt eaten in the last two months because of the water being no good.
So, in this instance, all of the Koi came out a little small, and thin.
That said, I am absolutely confident that the Maruten Yondan that was in this pond, will quickly make up for lost time, and become a wonderful Koi in the future!
In the case of this Koi, I have take the bold step of putting the price on the website, but the price reflects how the Koi is now, and once she is safely back in the UK and putting on weight, her price will be adjusted accordingly.
Darren is with me as of yesterday, and this morning, we are heading back to Matsue Koi Farm. I have a schedule planned now, but it will all have to be a box of surprises ;-)
I thought we were busy this Summer at Yume Koi having built a new fish house... It seems Takigawa-san felt the same way and built one of his own! It's not really a new facility though, but a revamp of one of the older houses, and enlarged to house some other ponds that used to be outside.
Well, I have arrived in Japan, and am currently on the train heading towards Hiroshima. When I arrive there, I will pick up my car, and head up to Takigawa Koi Farm. The next couple of days I will spend finding harvest schedules, and what kind of koi will be available. I am very excited about this trip, as having spoken to a few of the breeders yesterday, it seems that it has been an excellent Summer...
Sunday the 16th of October will see me once again head off for Japan in order to select from the very highest grade koi available.
Things vary greatly from one year to another, and from one breeder to another. Whilst I have a lot of hope of what I can get hold of, I also have no idea how good the breeders good fish will cost, or just how good they are until I see them.
Fingers crossed!...