KONISHI KOI FARM

How deeply Hiroshima is related to carp, or koi, can be seen in the name of its professional baseball team, Hiroshima Toyo Carp, the carp castle, the alias of Hiroshima Castle, and the fact that there is a town named Koi (the large residential area in Hiroshima City). 

Hiroshima has long been known as one of the two major Nishikigoi (the carp that have colors and patches and are raised as ornamental fish)-producing areas in Japan. One Koi farmer has a history that dates back even more than a century ago.

Konishi Koi Farm is the world’s oldest Nishikigoi breeding farm.  In recent years, its name has been found in a German guidebook "REISE-KNOW-HOW" as well as in JAPAN HOUSE in Sao Paulo, established as a Japanese national project.  Konishi Koi Farm has also donated the Nishikigoi swimming gracefully around in the moats of Hiroshima Castle or in the pond in Shukkeien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden in the city.

Not only do they have a long history, but they have also produced many beautiful and unique Nishikigoi. In addition, the long-established farm won numerous champion awards at yearly All Japan Koi Shows, where the beauty of Nishikigoi is judged, while they have also won many top prizes at shows overseas, including the Grand Champion award. They are also committed to producing healthier and stronger Nishikigoi that can be enjoyed for a long time.

Koi do not fight each other. There are no bosses among them and no fights over territory, either. When new Koi are introduced to a pond or aquarium, they immediately fit into the group, swimming together like old friends and sharing their food in good harmony.  That is why they are regarded as a symbol of peace.  The peaceful view of carp swimming gracefully would make you feel calm and soothed.  They are so gentle and friendly to people as well that they gather around when hearing their owner's footsteps, and can even eat food directly from human hands.  No two Nishikigoi have the same pattern, making them very endearing creatures to keep.

They are also highly adaptable to their environment, so not only can they grow to a size that adapts to their habitat, but they can also adapt to a wide range of water temperatures and water quality.  They can be kept in almost any water as long as there are no drastic changes in the breeding environment. Nishikigoi can live in water temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as almost 35°C.  Thanks to their adaptability, they will not die if they are not carefully cared for every day, and thus they are kept as pets in every country in the world.

Nishikigoi are considered to be expensive but prices vary and they are also available at quite reasonable prices.

Why don't you enjoy the beauty of Nishikigoi swimming in the water and soothe yourself?

Konishi Koi Farm　小西養鯉場

Konishi Koi Farm CO., LTD (nishikigoi.co.jp)

You are free to tour the store.