Went back to Matsue, to photograph the few Koi that we have left out this Summer. Usually, we try to ship even the highest level Koi back home, as leaving Koi in the mud ponds is fraught with risks.
The latter five Koi in this gallery are the ones we have left Japan, with the last two of these still being available for sale, at 66 and 64cm (sansai) respectively. The Yondan, Maruten Sandan, and Nidan are all Yonsai, so this will give you a good idea of the level of these fish when we obtained them as Nisai. Of course, it would be a mistake to assume that everything from any given breeder turns to gold, as this isn't the case. Koi such as these are few and far between, and the exception to the norm at any farm. But, as you can see from the gallery, with careful selection for all the right criteria, a good result can very frequently be achieved. Such Koi as these may be a high price, but in reality, they are not expensive. An expensive Koi, is an overpriced one! With high price, come high expectations, which is often quickly followed by big disappointments. We take great pride in obtaining extremely high level Koi, and selling them with very low margins. The result, is perhaps, what you could call a cheap Koi? (cheap for the price!) ;-)
Right now, I am at Omosako looking for another very special Nisai. Tomorrow, is the Momotaro auction, so I hope to find good Sanke there! If you have seen a Koi on the Momotaro website please contact us, and we will try to get it for you (assuming I think it is worth having).
{gallery}2011oct/Matsue:150:250::1{/gallery}
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. 
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! 
On the 18th, I went to Matsue, and then Omosako. I spent my Birthday evening with Takahiro Omosako, as per every year.
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.
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...
