Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Nishikigoi

Nishikigoi

錦鯉緋鯉
alternative words: Nishiki goi, Higoi, Koi fish, Koi, Colored carp, Carp
keywords: craft
related web sites: http://www.echigo.ne.jp/~koi/ , http://www.urban.ne.jp/home/koistaff/ , http://www2.ocn.ne.jp/~yamakosi/ , http://www2.ktarn.or.jp/~sensuke/entrance.htm
explanation: In some regions of Japan, by keeping waters in rice fields even after harvesting, the people raise carps for their meats. Since old times they have observed the appearance of colored carps due to a mutation but remained a local curiosity. Since the invention of locomotives and cars which allow to transport them for a long distance, raising colored carps has become a true business and many races have been created. Yamakoshi region in Niigata prefecture is well known for it.