Dainichi Kohaku Wins Grand Champion at Nogyosai 2022

A Kohaku brought to life six years ago by the Mano brothers from Ojiya, has been crowned emperor; the most beautiful koi in the Niigata. The Nogyosai is the premier show in the Niigata region and is traditionally held in the midst of the fall season.

A decent length for a six-year-old fish

Right now, most of the traders from abroad are in the area. It is therefore a great opportunity for the breeders to show their best work and thus be in the spotlight. The run-up to this show therefore guarantees exciting ikigai (autumn harvests) in the Japanese mountains.

This Kohaku from Dainichi measures 88 centimeters. A decent length for a six-year-old fish. I considered a length up to 85 at six years to be the highest achievable and only in the main bloodlines of the main breeders. Anything above that may safely be called exceptional. Of course, the length does not say everything. The body is magnificent. A large and broad head carries a particularly voluminous body behind it.

compare it to a gymnast choosing a more difficult exercise

The complexity of the pattern may also certainly be included. The playful pattern leaves plenty of room for sashi and kiwa. As beautiful as that is, it always brings with it risks; yet this Koi does not seem to mind. This may well be compared in rating to a gymnast who chooses a more difficult routine and earns an extra favorable rating factor for it when he performs it well. Excellent skin quality and overall an impressive Koi with Grand Champion allure. Mission complete!

Futoshi, the eldest Mano brother and head of the Dainichi Koi Farm, expresses his gratitude to his staff, but also to the organization of competition. It is a prestigious award that the Dainichi brothers have won many times before, but no less graciously accept.

This is a 2nd generation bloodline coming from two original bloodlines of Dainichi, namely Mihara and X Junior

Shigeru Mano, The Other Brother, tells me, when asked, that the Kohaku comes from the New Mihara X bloodline. This is a second generation combined bloodline coming from two original bloodlines of Dainichi, namely Mihara and X Junior. This bloodline is characterized by interesting patterns, but also growth potential, skin quality and body. This does not mean - to be clear - that every fish from this bloodline will become a GC, but it does give an indication of the certainty a koi can go through in its development because the genetic code is reliably present.