Like and Subscribe to our YouTube for up to date trip to Japan
🔗 https://youtu.be/eFHfY0tDkwQ?si=Dgr2j17mam3xvzPN
In this video, we’re excited to take you along to Marujyu Koi Farm, nestled in the foothills of Ojiya. This is a farm we’ve been eager to visit due to its stellar reputation for producing high-quality koi. Our journey began when we met Shigeyoshi Tanaka-san at the All-American Koi Show in Las Vegas in 2024, where he served as one of the esteemed judges. His genuine passion for koi was evident, fueling our anticipation to see what he had to offer for the upcoming year’s tosai.
Searching for koi in Japan can be overwhelming, with countless breeders to consider, making it nearly impossible to visit every farm without breaking the bank. Fortunately, our visit to Marujyu exceeded all our expectations! Stepping into the newly constructed tosai greenhouse left us in awe—the modern design combined with traditional Japanese filtration systems and husbandry techniques was truly impressive.While examining the ponds, one aspect stood out right away: the skin quality.
When selecting koi, this is crucial. I generally focus on three primary characteristics: body, skin, and pattern, with personality also playing a key role. While a koi with all three traits may come with a higher price tag, it’s essential not to overlook those that exhibit some of each. Koi are living jewels; though some may have imperfections, it’s vital to understand that no koi is perfect. Acknowledging this enhances our appreciation of these beautiful creatures.The quality of the fish at Marujyu was exceptional, particularly among the goromo and showa varieties, for which the farm is well-known. However, I had some concerns regarding the scattered sumi placement in the sanke options. Thankfully, Tanaka-san graciously led us to his nisai and sansai pond, where he showcased larger sanke that truly highlighted the quality we sought. He explained the “Marujyu S
Tosai Hunting 2025
Y’all have been asking! Here is our first video from the trip! Also watch and subscribe to YouTube for more!
🔗 https://youtu.be/JCEqWDudRrQ?si=ELYdxjQNDhlkdxtg
Our adventure kicked off with an early flight from Nashville to Seattle, where the excitement started to build as we waited for our connecting flight to Japan. After a smooth journey, we finally landed in Tokyo, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city immediately wrapped around us like a warm embrace.Once we navigated through the bustling airport, we hopped onto the Shinkansen, Japan's incredible bullet train. There’s truly nothing like the feeling of gliding through the countryside at lightning speed while soaking in the breathtaking views. The rolling hills and serene landscapes only added to the sense of anticipation as we made our way to Nagaoka.As soon as we arrived in Nagaoka, the real fun began! Our first stop was Isa Koi Farm, known for producing some of the finest koi around. Stepping onto the farm was like entering a koi paradise. We spent some time inspecting the potential tosai, carefully evaluating their colors, patterns, and overall aspect. It was fascinating to see such a diverse selection of koi, and we couldn’t help but get excited about the possibilities of adding some of these beauties to our collection. Unfortunately we would come back at a later time to purchase any. After immersing ourselves in the world of koi at Isa, we headed over to Torazo Koi Farm. One of the highlights of our visit was having lunch with Mr. Tsuyoshi-san, the passionate owner of Torazo. Sharing a meal with him felt like being in the presence of koi royalty! Over delicious food, we exchanged stories and learned about his breeding techniques, as well as his vision for the future of koi farming. As the day drew to a close, we couldn’t help but reflect on how much we had experienced so far. The incredible koi, the rich culture, and the warmth of the people we met along the way made this trip unforgettable.
Isa Koi Farm
After much anticipation, we are excited to share some updates with all of you who have reached out to us. On Day One of our trip, we had the opportunity to visit the renowned Isa Koi Farm, which has gained a stellar reputation for its exceptional Showa koi breeding. As we explored what their farm had to offer, we examined the tanks filled with koi, eagerly hoping to find some stunning specimens to bring back home. However, we quickly realized that there was not a wide selection available during our visit. The staff informed us that they were in the process of preparing for their next Senbetsu, which is scheduled to take place after the All Japan Koi Show. This event typically signifies a fresh wave of exciting koi selections, as they will be evaluating and sorting their koi for quality and potential. Given this information, we are looking forward to returning after the All Japan Koi Show to see the new offerings that will be available for purchase following their Senbetsu. We are hopeful that this future visit will present a more diverse array of koi, allowing us to bring back some stunning additions to our collection. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey through the world of koi! Tri-Star Koi. We will post the Full video soon
In Nagaoka
You just can't beat this beautiful view.On the Shinkansen to the motherland Niigata, Home to Nishikigoi!
We will see y’all in 2025!!!
We will see y’all in 2025!!!
Countdown to Japan 2025!
Just 4 hours from Ojiya lies Isawa, apicturesque city home to several exceptional koi farms! Notable spots like Maruyama Koi Farm, Isawa Nishikigoi Center, and Hiroi Koi Farm showcase the beauty of high-quality koi. The drive there is absolutely breathtaking, offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji with snow-capped peaks.
Countdown till Japan 2025
🌟 Counting down to our next trip to Japan! Until then, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite memories from this year! Stay tuned! Like and Follow Tri-Star Koi🇯🇵 #KoiAdventures #Memories #CountdownToJapan
⚠️ Koi emergency ⚠️
Today, Tri-Star Koi had the incredible opportunity to visit the University of Georgia Veterinary Hospital. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Vicki Vaughn for inviting us to observe and participate in procedures involving a large Sanke koi.
Upon arrival at the University of Georgia, the Sanke was promptly greeted by veterinary technicians who helped to settle her in the back for the necessary procedures. After answering a few basic questions regarding the koi's condition, we joined the team as they debriefed on how to effectively manage the procedure.
The head veterinarian began by sedating the Sanke to minimize her stress throughout the process. Once she was fully sedated, the team quickly transferred her to the examination room for further testing.
The first procedure conducted was a CT scan. This advanced technology utilizes X-rays to provide detailed images of the koi’s soft tissues and bones, assisting in the identification of any injuries she may have sustained.
Next, blood samples were withdrawn for testing to check for potential diseases or abnormalities. Following this, the team performed an ultrasound to assess any possible organ damage. Finally, a microscopy sample was taken to screen for parasites that could jeopardize the koi's health.
It was truly impressive to witness skilled professionals dedicated to caring for our beloved fish throughout this procedure.
SPOILERS!!!
Not sure if we should show y’all this! Here are some more spoilers of what we will be bringing to the Atlanta Koi show!