USA Welcome
to The NishikiGoi
We want to be a part of your smile, success
and your future growth.
The Birth and History Of Nishikigoi
The Nishikigoi, often hailed as the king of ornamental fish, is a treasure Japan proudly shares with the world. Its history spans over 200 years, originating in the late Edo period. In what is now the Yamakoshi area of Nagaoka City and the eastern part of Ojiya City in Niigata Prefecture—formerly known as Nijuumura—severe winter snowfalls isolated the region. This led to the thriving winter breeding of crucian carp as a vital food source. The emergence of sudden genetic mutations that produced new colors and patterns is believed to have marked the birth of Nishikigoi.
Villagers, fascinated by these variations, began breeding and refining these fish through trial and error, creating distinct breeds. A pivotal moment came in 1914 at the Tokyo Taisho Exposition in Ueno Park, where about twenty Nishikigoi, then known as "Kawarigoi," were exhibited and won a silver medal. The event, attended by 7.5 million people, greatly boosted Nishikigoi’s prominence. Even Crown Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Showa) took a liking to them, bringing some to the Imperial Palace, which further elevated their status as an art form.
In 2022, Nishikigoi reached another milestone when significant terms and the names of 21 varieties were standardized under the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS). Today, Nishikigoi is a symbol of the Japanese brand and a critical export item. Through the dedication of breeders, over 150 varieties have been developed and are cherished worldwide.
About Shinkokai USA
We are Shinkokai USA!
Our promotion association was established in January 1970 as the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association, and was incorporated as a general incorporated association in May 2020.
Members are composed of koi breeders, dealers, and operators of koi-related products. There are 299 domestic members in Japan and 223 overseas members, for a total of 522 members. (As of the end of December 2023)
Nishikigoi, now also known as the “national fish Nishikigoi”, has become one of Japan’s leading export products and is included in the list of key export items.
USA Members
General Incorporated Association All USA Nishikigoi Promotion Association
President
Shawn McHenry
Founded in 1997 just outside Los Angeles, California, Mystic Koi has become
Treasurer
Tom Lai
Tom Lai is the Treasurer of Shinkokai USA and the founder of
Secretary
Devin Swanson
Devin Swanson is the first and only person to date who has
Web Administrator
Anthony Quintero
Anthony Quintero is the founder/owner of an entrepreneurial enterprise specializing in ornamental/fin-fish
Team Member
Alejandro Bristol
Alejandro Bristol along with his wife Parinaz Bristol started Bristol koi Farm
Team Member
Brian Fitzsimmons
Brian Fitzsimmons is the founder and CEO of Fitz’s Fish Ponds, a
Team Member
Chien Lee
I started as a koi hobbyist more than 15 years ago. I
Team Member
Children of the Sun Koi
Since 2004, Children of the Sun Koi has been dedicated to importing
Show Chairperson
Hector Mardueño
W. Lim Corporation is a prominent leader in the aquaculture and pond
Team Memeber
JR Romagnoli
RNR Koi and RNR Advantage SS provide everything needed for a thriving
Team Member
Ken Liu
Barstow Koi Farm Established in 1989 in the Mojave Desert, located between
Upcoming USA Koi Shows
24
Apr
Multi Date