Yuan Jian Dong wins Grand Champion All Japan combined Nishikigoi Show 2026
Dainichi Kohaku wins Grand Champion title at age six
The Grand Champion of the All Japan Koi Show 2026 (GC AJKS 2026) is an exceptional Dainichi Kohaku, owned by Chinese hobbyist Yuan Jian Dong. The fish, which was measured as recently as October at 98 cm, has now reached the 100 cm mark and does so at just six years of age. This makes this Kohaku not only an aesthetic masterpiece, but also a remarkable example of growth potential in record time. Jane Maneerat once again proves himself to be one of the very best Koi photographers ever and it is another personal dream as a Koi photographer to one day shoot alongside him at the All Japan. Also follow his YouTube channel for wonderful video productions.
- Variety: Kohaku
- Length: 100 cm
- Age: 6 years old
- Breeder: Dainichi Koi Farm
- Owner: Yuan Jian Dong (China)
- Dealer: Sanshin Trading
- Bloodline: Offspring of WILD
“Inimitable body, excitement and inspiring – blending with nature, challenging it, and surpassing it.”
– Dainichi Koi Farm on their quality philosophy that they more than live up to with this Kohaku.
A historic repeat for owner Yuan Jian Dong
This victory is not the first for the Chinese owner. In 2025, Yuan Jian Dong also won the Grand Champion title, then with a 97 cm Dainichi Showa. This makes him the first non-Japanese hobbyist to win the grand prize of the All Japan Show two years in a row. The continuity of these achievements underlines not only his commitment to excellence, but also his international influence within the Koi elite.
Offspring of WILD: bloodline under the microscope
The winning Kohaku is from Dainichi’s internal bloodline WILD. Although little detailed information is publicly available about this line, WILD is known by insiders for its powerful physique, deep beni and consistent skin quality. The fact that a fish from this line already reaches 100 cm at the age of six and becomes Grand Champion confirms the potential of WILD within the top of the Koi world. It is only logical that Managing Director Shigeru Mano will want to use these Koi as parents in the future. Among the many reactions to the victory from certainly those who attended, we find one expression in particular that marks this victory;
“Beni has won the show”
Back to basics: shape, skin and pattern
As always at the All Japan Koi Show, the focus is on the balance between body shape, skin quality and pattern. With this Dainichi Kohaku, the refined skin texture, deep red beni and perfect symmetry stand out in particular; “Beni has won the show” and that is remarkable because often it is really the body that is the most decisive factor, but when the quality is so high, it is not always decisive; it is all the qualities that together make the difference on this world stage. But what makes this Kohaku truly exceptional is that he is already showing these qualities at the age of six and at this size.
Watch the Grand Champion in action
This video shows the champion in the barrel during judging. Note the impressive body line, stability of pattern and look of maturity despite young age.
The Grand Champion as a mirror of the future
The victory of this Dainichi Kohaku at the Grand Champion title of the 2026 All Japan Koi Show marks more than an individual achievement. It shows how genetics, management and craftsmanship set a new bar for what is possible within six years. Both owner and breeder have thus made a powerful statement one that will resonate with serious enthusiasts, dealers and show organizers worldwide.
