Daishiro Shirasaka

[Commentary]
The normal way to appreciate Nishikigoi is to watch more than one Nishikigoi swimming in a pond.
I am sure that owner Mr. Shirasaka, a Koi lover representing Japan, has many excellent Koi besides this one in his pond and that this Koi’s fascination is brought out to the maximum in an environment of comprehensive beauty.
”A Nishikigoi Show” exists to vie in beauty of eachexhibited Koi.
In terms of Kohaku, the major point of judgment is “the combination of hi and shiro (white) , which is the element of their beauty.
This Koi deserves to be this Show’s champion and is certainly a brand Koi, but its “beauty of shiroji” is not expressed as much as it is in Martin’s Koi, the Overall Champion. That is to say, hi is toostrong for the shiroji.
In comparative judging, one’s best appeal can become thereason of defeat, depending on the competing Koi.

Naoyoshi Yamaoka

[Commentary]
The spectacular combination of “sumi and hi” catches the eye.
Especially in Showa, ”sumi patterms” are important and are highly appraised.
Look at the sumi patterns on this Koi. The brightly designed sumi on the front part of the body and the strong sumi in the back part create an exquisitely balanced beauty. Of course, what bring that out are the beautiful hi in the background and shiroji. Take a look at the motozumi on the right. You can see the excellence of the quality of sumi.
The basis of this Koi’s beauty lies in the “high quality” of sumi, hi, and skin.

Representative for award winner

[Commentary]
This is a brand Koi that has balanced patterns from the head to tail on a long-stretching body.
The hi is superb, and the fukurin (scale wrap) is clearly defined in the shiroji. Both of these represent the fine level of this Koi.

Representative for award winner

[Commentary]
This is a dynamic Koi with large eye-catching sumi, which maximizes the sandan hi and draws forth this Koi’s beauty.
The reason for winning the prize is within the power of this sumi.

Kazuhiro Zaima

[Commentary]
The combination of the hi and sumi patterns is ideal. This Koi deserves to be named “the brand Koi of Showa”.
First of all, the hi patterns are excellent. A bright face, diversified patterns and spectacular hi on the back, and a clear-cut odome. The hi patterns are certainly ideal.
On the hi patterns, you can see “kaku (square) zumi” dominating both sides of the body, which enhances the beauty of the hi patterns even more. If kuchi (mouth) zumi appears in the future, its beauty will double.

Representative for award winner

[Commentary]
This Koi possess the greatest beauty as a Showa.
Fascinating hachiware (sumi patterns that divide the head), sumi patterns that evenly divide the body, and deep red sumi in between. This is an attractive Koi that has both dynamic characteristics and luminous splendor.

Takeo Ueno

[Commentary]
This is a Koi possessing a maruten (round hi) sandan hi with the highest quality "kata zumi (sumi on the shoulders), se zumi (sumi on the back), o zumi (sumi on the tail)" . This Koi’s attraction is, best of all, the “presence of sumi”.
The adorable and artistic maruten hi, the prime-quality hiban (large round hi patterns), and “sankaku (triangle) sumi on the shoulders”, “kaku zumi on the center of the back fin”, and “large sumi on the tail” just fascinate the audience.
By looking at this Koi, one can understand that a Sanshoku’s charm is definitely in the sumi.

Representative for award winner

[Commentary]
The contrast between hi and sumi is beautifully strengthened in this Koi.
Fine “deep red” that stretches from the face to the back, shiroji in the center, and hi and sumi that paints the latter part of the body.
A simple but fine design of hi and sumi attracts the crowd.