Borripatara Wongprachom wins with Takigawa Kohaku 9th ZNA East Thailand Young Koi Show 2026
An in-depth look at a masterful Koi, the show, the Japanese breeder Takigawa Koi Farm, and the owner who put his name on the map.
A victory with impact
On Jan. 17, 2026, Thailand hosted the 9th ZNA East Thailand Young Koi Show, a leading regional competition under the banner of the Japanese Koi Association ZNA focused on young fish. In the up to 65 cm category – a class focused exclusively on younger, promising Koi – the prestigious Grand Champion 65 BU title went to an exceptional Kohaku from the tenacious hands of Dr. Borripatara Wongprachom.
The winning Kohaku: balance, patterns and harmony
The Kohaku that won this Grand Champion title immediately draws attention with its exceptional build, powerful presence and beautiful dan moyo/step pattern. With no fewer than eight detached red patterns around the white body; tightly placed without becoming cluttered, he displays a perfectly balanced appearance: exactly what judges look for in a show of this caliber.
Particularly good about the pattern are the first, which continues nicely between the eyes to the nose and also stops at the back at the last pattern before the onset of the tail fin. The Kiwa is really very good on this Koi, the patterns on the back are really magnificently incised.
About the 9th ZNA East Thailand Young Koi Show
The ZNA East Thailand Young Koi Show is part of the wider circuit of ZNA (Zen Nippon Airinkai) shows organized worldwide. The Young category is known for highlighting young talent both in fish and breeding. The 65cm limit makes this a competition where only the most promising juveniles are shortlisted although Young koi Shows also often feature fish that have been deliberately kept in colder water in order to stunt their growth and allow the kiwa to clear, for example, when they are still 65cm or smaller.
The event attracts participants from all over Southeast Asia and symbolizes quality, rigorous judging and forward-thinking selection within the koi community.
Takigawa Koi Farm; the creative source behind the fish
Behind this Grand Champion is Japan’s Takigawa Koi Farm, a small-scale but acclaimed koi breeder located in the fertile pond region of Sera-gun in Hiroshima, Japan. The farm was founded by Hiroaki Takigawa and has since been succeeded by the next generation, ensuring continuity and innovation in breeding lines of Kohaku, Sanke and Showa.
Below is a Grand Champion by the same photographer Jane Maneerat where a Showa from Isa Koi Farm won The All Asia Cup in 2018.
Ownership and reputation: Dr. Borripatara Wongprachom
Dr. Borripatara Wongprachom is now no stranger to the regional koi show culture. The Grand Champion title at the ZNA East Thailand Young Koi Show is certainly not the first time Dr. Borripatara Wongprachom has been puts himself in the spotlight of the Nishikigoi world. For example, he previously won the title Bekko 70 BU at the prestigious 50th All Japan Koi Show; a milestone few outside Japan achieve. In addition, his awards include being Kokugyo Champion at the All Thailand Combined Koi Show and as the Non-Gosanke A Champion at the 10th ZNA TKKG Koi Show. He also made his presence felt at the ASEAN Koi Show with a victory in the Utsurimono & Bekko 80 BU class. This set of accomplishments proves that Dr. Borripatara brings not only passion, but consistency, expertise and vision to every Koi show he participates in.
The role of Thai Nippon Fish Farm
The winning koi was presented and cared for by Thai Nippon Fish Farm, which gave the fish proper handling during the show from transport to presentation on competition day a crucial factor in any show conditions.
A good team behind a fish increases the likelihood that a high-quality candidate will actually be judged optimal by the judges.
Photography and visual documentation
Photos of the winning Kohaku were captured by Jane Maneerat, whose sharp and expressive images bring this fish to life in detail and elegance something every koi enthusiast really needs to see (and which we at KoiQuestion value). Jane is also known for his intriguing videos as is his most recent work; a theater for the All Japan Koi Show being held this weekend in Tokyo.
