March 2009

Today (27th) we arrived at the Wakagoi Show. This wonderful 62cm Sansai Yamatoya Kohaku is one we sold as Nisai, and is a hopeful contender at the show tomorrow. Please wish us luck! :-)

This is a picture of the Kohaku taken with my compact camera on the Sunday, alas, she came runner up.

Odawara-san receiving a prize on behalf of one of his clients.

On the following morning (26th), we headed off to Ueno, one of Japan's top three most famous breeders. It is a little known fact that we have bought and sold a handful of wonderful Showa from Ueno, including their Sansai 'Kashira' back in the Autumn of 2007.

Well, today turned out to be far more exciting than I imagined it would be!!! Whilst looking through a pond of Ueno's best Nisai, I spotted this! I could see she was good when I saw her in the pond. But, once in the bowl, I literally got an adrenaline rush! Anyway, I only took a few seconds to make up my mind on her! The pic on the right below, is how I envisage her looking in two or three years time. I hope you can see this too? ;-)

This Koi is going to the Wakagoi Show tomorrow, to be exhibited in the 'Dream Koi' exhibition. I would like buy her too, but this largely depends on the outcome of a few other potential sales.

Below are some random photos, the first one being one of Ueno's fish houses, the second being the man himself... Ueno-san. He doesn't speak a word of English, but luckily, he doesn't need to... a really nice guy! I have a hard time understanding his Father though.

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Also pictured is a photo where Darren kinda caught us unawares...and so, we decided is was about time we had a proper photo taken together! ;-)

Next came the long 3 hour journey to Kyushu island, to visit Okawa (not to be confused with Ogawa). The pond pictured below is the pond where they keep all their 'precious' Koi.

The Kohaku on the left below is Okawa's Kashira from last Autumn. She is ours, but not sold yet. This outstanding Kohaku is Nisai and measures 58cm. She has become even more beautiful during the Winter months.

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The middle pictured Kohaku is one we sold as Nisai. She is now Sansai and some 68cm! She is also of incredible quality!

Okawa's Kashira (Tosai - Pictured on the right) measures 43cm as Jumbo Tosai, and is going to the Wakagoi Show this coming weekend, to be exhibited in the 'Dream Koi' display. I have been beating myself up over whether to buy her or not? She is of incredible quality, and will most likely make 60cm as Nisai. But, I am not sure if the pattern would be a universally loved one?

That evening, Darren and myself went out with Yuji and Yoneichi Tanaka for dinner at a wonderful restaurant, which served up some very interesting dishes!

I purchased three Kohakus from Yamatoya this time, which were very reasonably priced. The one pictured below is the better of the three.

When we arrived at Yamatoya Koi Farm, there was little light left, so it wasn't long before we headed out to our favourite restaurant. After the restaurant, we then headed to the only bar in town, which was very quiet when we arrived. However, at around 10pm, Shiraishi-san's Sister's friend arrived with some of her freinds, of whom all were very intoxicated. Shiraishi-san was very embarrassed of their rather 'outgoing' behavoir... but it was hilarious for the rest of us!

Yesterday was spent at Matsue Koi Farm. There is more news to follow on this, but for now, I had to share this... I bought this Kohaku as Tosai of about 32cm last year. We sold her when Nisai and she is now 58cm as Nisai, but since coming up from the mudpond last Autumn, her condition has become incredibly beautiful! This Koi is simply incredible!

I managed to buy these two Female Jumbo Tosai Kohakus from Matsue, that they were keeping as their Tategoi. They measure 36cm, and are very affordable. We hope to keep these Koi for growing at Yume Koi to Nisai, subject to our nominal growing fees.

It's Japan time again! This morning (Friday March 20th) I will be flying out to Japan, in search of Tosai!

As you can see, I'm now sitting here in the exec lounge in Schipol airport, and the weather is beautiful. Have to dash now, to board the flight to Osaka.

Today has been a good day! Takigawa-san let me pick through his Tategoi Kujaku, and choose some wonderful Tosai! Here are three of the better ones, which can be seen on the 'Fish' pages.

Anyway who has seen our Sansai Takigawa Kujaku, that we have grown from around 56cm as Nisai, to 74cm as Sansai will understand just how good his Kujaku are, and how well they grow!

Once I'd finished looking through and selecting the Kujaku it was out for lunch with Takiagwa-san before heading off for Matsue.