2003 All Japan Koi ShowPublished: Wed, 10 Feb 2010
This years Grand Champion is a 87 cm Kohaku from Hiroshima Sakai.
Saturday, January 25th. We arrive early to see the results of Friday's judging. It came down to two Kohaku's, both stunning.

The word is that this female placed second last year. If at first you don't succeed... Her classic Sandan pattern is one to envy.
Although a few centimeters smaller than the 2nd place Kohaku (92 cm), her brilliant snowy white body had the edge.
Hanging above her, the accolades of her own sign. In the background, a stage filled with the hardware which we're awarded at the celebration dinner. An evening to praise the most beautiful koi in the world...and indeed they are.
Pictured lower left is the 2nd Place Kohaku in the foreground. Big, beautiful koi everywhere you look. A visit to the show will redefine what a big koi really is.
Very well organized, show tanks stretch out in every direction. As we move from row to row, we meet breeder after breeder. For them, this is the climax of a year of labor and hope and patience.
Hung on the back wall below right, photographs of the past Grand Champions are displayed with pride. They are an interesting study in how standards have marched forward and beauty and size have accelerated. Recipients of the major trophies will actually be dwarfed by their towering hardware.
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