THE HISTORY OF KOI

In Japan, certain events in history are categorized as happening
during a particular emperor's reign. This custom is also used in
the development of koi.

Bunka and Bunsei Era (1804-1829)
During this "era", the first koi with red (Hi) were produced in
Japan. At first, their red markings appeared on their cheeks. White
koi were also produced and crossed with the koi that had red cheeks.
The end result was white koi with red abdomens.

Tenpo Era (1830-1843)
Breeding efforts continued to strive for change that would make the
koi more appealing to the eye. White Koi with red (Hi) located on
the forehead (Zukinkaburi), entire head (Menkaburi), red lips (Kuchibeni)
and finally red spots on the back (Sarassa) were developed.

Meija Era (1868-1912)
In 1888, the white Koi with red (Hi) spots on their back developed
into the modern Kohaku. The Koi farm named Gosuke in Utogi (which is
now Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture) was responsible for creating the
modern Kohaku. Coincidentally, German scaled carp were first brought to
Japan in this era also. These German scaled carp were crossed with normal
scaled Koi to create what are called "Doitsu" scaled koi. Today, koi
farmers have created Doitsu scaled variations of most types of koi.

Taisho Era (1912-1926)
The white koi with red and black pattern (Sanke) was named in honor
of the Taisho era. A Sanke was first shown at an exhibtion in 1915, but
was believed to be 15 years old at the time. If so, that means Sanke
were created in the previous (Meija) era. In 1917 excellent bloodlines
of Sanke were developed. Sanke farmers of today can still trace their
parent fish bloodlines back to these origins. The Shiro Utsuri (Black
koi with white pattern) was developed in 1925

Showa Era (1927-1989)
The Showa Era has, by far, had the most different types of koi
development and improvement in the quality or existing types
of koi. Koi keeping went from being a local hobby to a national
hobby, and then to a national business as well. Koi farmers went
from raising koi as a hobby to doing it as a full-time career.
With an expanding market and number of koi farmers; competition
and a desire to create new types of koi led to many improvements.

Heisei Era (1989-Present)
Today we are in the Heisei Era, and some farmers have desired to
name a new koi in honor of their Emperor's Era. The Doitsu Yamato
Nishiki (the Leather German Scaled Metallic Sanke) has been coined
with the name "Heisei Nishiki" by some breeders."



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