Highest praise for Kohaku from Momotaro and a Goshiki from Kawakami
Grand Champion – Kohaku by Momotaro
Grand Champion
41st All Japan Young Koi Show 2025
Owner: Mr. Pollapat Junvimaloung
Breeder: Momotaro Koi Farm
Handler: Narita Koi Farm
Dealer: KOIKICHI FISH FARM
This Kohaku, bred by Momotaro Koi Farm, was an absolute sight: powerfully built, torpedo shaped, with skin like porcelain and a pattern that ran across the body like a brush stroke. The beni was deep and consistent, with a classic maruzome kiwa that rounded it out elegantly.
“A submarine of a Kohaku. Skin like porcelain, beni like velvet, body like a torpedo.”
The fish showed everything a show-Kohaku should have: strength, balance, appearance and structure. So it is no surprise that this very fish was awarded the highest honor.
Grand Champion B – Goshiki by Kawakami
Grand Champion B
41st All Japan Young Koi Show 2025
Owner: Arthur Kai
Breeder: Kawakami Koi Farm
Handler: Narita Koi Farm
Dealer: KOI-UMEDA / Japan Direct Koi
There was also much to admire outside the traditional Gosanke varieties (Kohaku, Sanke, Showa). This year’s Grand Champion B went to a breathtaking Goshiki, bred by Kawakami Koi Farm and exhibited by Arthur Kai. We spoke to Arthur and you will read about this in an in-depth article on KoiQuestion soon. This kuro Goshiki showed an inky black underskin already rising a menacing cloud from the underside that almost made the fiery red pattern glow. The head of the fish was special: powerful, mysterious with hypnotic pattern.
Kawakami has long been known as a specialist in Goshiki, and this champion underscores their reputation. Narita’s guidance once again provided a perfectly presented fish, ready to outperform the competition.
Historic milestone for Narita Koi Farm
Not only did the quality of the fish stand out this year, but also the history written by Ryuki Narita himself. His words provide a powerful insight into the dedication and continuity of his team:
It has been 20 years since we first won the Grand Champion at All Japan Young Koi Show in 2005…. This time, we have achieved our 14th Grand Champion. Furthermore, this year’s competition marks a truly remarkable milestone-our 10th consecutive victory.
At this All Japan Young Koi Show, Ryuki achieved a 14th Grand Champion overall and 10th in a row – it is an achievement that takes Narita’s legacy as a handler to unprecedented heights. Nothing like this has ever occurred before.
The significance of the Young Koi Show
The All Japan Young Koi Show 2025 is no ordinary competition. It is a showcase of genetic potential, aesthetics and future vision. Such a Young show always has something special. After all, you won’t encounter jumbos here. The largest Koi allowed to participate is 63 cm. Despite this fact, this show has a lot of prestige and it is big. Breeders bring their best Koi. Winners here are not often tomorrow’s champions at the big shows, but they do highlight the power of breeders and their vision for tomorrow. In Japan, people honor the small like the big.
Also read: Stormy victory at 36th Wakagoi Show in Japan
With breeders like Momotaro and Kawakami, dealers like KOIKICHI Fish Farm and KOI-UMEDA, and a worldwide community of enthusiasts, this show, the All Japan Koi Show 2025, remains a source of inspiration, admiration and craftsmanship.
