The 2003 All Japan Show. We're here at the grand-daddy of all koi shows. It is here that these world-renowned koi farms duel for the coveted title of the industry; Grand Champion. A significant showing here can pay these farms handsome dividends in recognition, revenue and maybe most importantly, bragging rights! As many as 4000 Nishikigoi are on display here. Some are young, some are mature. All are the best of the best. 

This years Grand Champion is a 87 cm Kohaku from Hiroshima Sakai.

Tokyo, Japan 
 

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 upper 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.

Whether they're 100 cm or 12 cm, they're simply stunning. The oddest occurrence comes when you gaze into a show tank in the winners area where there's little guys together with some big girls. What an amazing contrast. 

We're going to spend a bit more time at the show again today, then it's off to hop the bullet train up to the mountain region of Niigata. We've been lining up visits with all the breeders as we mingle around the show. It'll be great to leave the buzz of the city behind and head to home of koi.