Nishikigoi (Japanese koi, brocade carps) , Tokyo 2018
THE KANTO KOSHIN-ETSU NISHIKIGOI CONTEST Dec. 8 and 9 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) in 2018 Ueno Park near the Fountain, Ueno, Taito-ku The Japanese people have long praised the koi (carp) as the king of river fish. There are tales in many parts of Japan in which old carp living in ponds or rivers are regarded as the masters of such waters. The fish grows to over 1 meter in length. It was an important food fish in old Japan.
The breeding of carp is believed to have developed in Edo days (1600-1867). The carp were sold not only as food but also as pets for their beauty.
Many new types of beautiful carp have been bred in Niigata and among them, Nishikigoi has become most famous. Some have red and white spots on a white body, or have red, black and white markings. (Source: