Skip to content

Koi shows in Japan

By the koi.wiki editorial team · Updated

Key facts: Japan hosts a layered system of koi shows, from national events run by the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association (JNPA) and the Zen Nippon Airinkai (ZNA) down to prefectural and district competitions held throughout the country.[1][2]
Koi shows in Japan are organized mainly under two national bodies: the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association (JNPA), which runs the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show, the All Japan Young Koi Show and the International Junior Koi Show[4][1], and the Zen Nippon Airinkai (ZNA), which coordinates a nationwide calendar of district and chapter shows culminating in the ZNA International Koi Show[2][5]. Regional and prefectural shows are also held across Japan, including the long-running Niigata Nishikigoi Show in Ojiya[6].

ZNA district and chapter shows in Japan

The Zen Nippon Airinkai publishes an annual show calendar covering its Japanese districts and chapters, spanning prefectures from Aomori and Iwate in the north to Oita and Kochi in the south[2]. Entries list event numbers, dates, host cities and venues, such as the Niigata chapter show at Grand Bowl Kurosaki and the Hiroshima chapter show at Kure Portpia[2]. Many chapters hold both a main show and a young-koi (wakagoi) show each year, for example Shiga's 51st chapter show alongside its 33rd Young show[2].ZNA notes that district or chapter rules may vary from the International Koi Show classification "for the purpose that show may work efficiently or practically" at the local level[7].At the top of the ZNA calendar sits the ZNA International Koi Show, held at a different host venue each year; the 62nd edition was scheduled for November 13–15, 2026 at Tokiwa Park in Ube City, Yamaguchi, with free admission and a show banquet at Hotel New Otani Nagaoka[5]. Overseas ZNA chapters, including those in the United States, the Netherlands, South Africa, Hong Kong, Taiwan and elsewhere, are described as regional districts of this same Beppu-based organization[8][9][3].

The All Japan Nishikigoi Shows (JNPA)

According to the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association, the first All Japan Nishikigoi Show was held in December 1968 at the Hotel New Otani Garden Hall in Tokyo, following discussions among breeders and dealers including Hideo Miya, Yoshio Isa and Hajime Watanabe about forming a national-scale koi show and organization[4]. The association itself was officially established during the second All Japan Nishikigoi Show in January 1970[4].The JNPA now runs three major competitions each year: the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show, the All Japan Young Koi Show, and the International Junior Koi Show[1]. The 55th All Japan Nishikigoi Show was held January 25–26, 2025 at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center, with the 56th scheduled for January 24–25, 2026 at the same venue[10]. The All Japan Young Koi Show, which accepts koi from 12 cm up to 63 cm, has been held at Himeji Castle Otemae Park since its 39th edition in 2023, with the 41st and 42nd editions scheduled for March 2025 and March 2026 respectively[4][10].The International Junior Koi Show, aimed at koi under 36 cm, held its first event in 2013 and is organized in Niigata; the 10th edition in 2023 drew participants from 46 countries and regions[4]. The 12th and 13th editions were scheduled for April 2025 and April 2026 at the Ojiya City Gymnasium Community Plaza[10].The JNPA states that judging at its shows is based on three main criteria — body shape, quality and pattern — with body shape, including a well-formed skeletal structure and plump body, particularly emphasized[1]. Beyond the three major shows, the association also holds district shows in the Kanto and Kansai regions and prefectural shows across Japan, most of which are free to attend[1].

Niigata: the Nishikigoi Show and the World Nishikigoi Summit

Niigata Prefecture is described by Wikipedia as the place of origin of the ornamental carp known as koi[11]. The Niigata Nishikigoi Show is held locally as a prefectural event; the 65th Niigata Prefecture Nishikigoi Show took place November 8–9 at the Ojiya City General Gymnasium Community Plaza, drawing 469 koi from producers across the prefecture and 1,010 visitors over two days, according to Ojiya City[6]. At that event, a Kohaku (紅白) won the overall grand championship, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, while a chagoi measuring 102 cm received a "Jumbo" award[6].Niigata City is also the planned venue for the 2nd World Nishikigoi Summit, scheduled for November 8, 2026, at the Toki Messe International Conference Hall, an event described as being for koi-industry representatives and related participants from various countries[12].Because many overseas koi clubs are formally chapters of the Japan-based ZNA, their shows often follow conventions set in Japan. ZNA America describes itself as the North American Regional District of Zen Nippon Airinkai, based in Beppu, Japan[9]. ZNA Southern California, founded as the first US chapter in 1972, describes its own show as the longest-running koi show in the world outside Japan, held "English style" with A/B divisions for Gosanke and non-Gosanke varieties, following the full show format used in Japan[13][14].Other national clubs also reference the Japanese ZNA calendar directly: the South African Koi Keepers Society states that its nominated Special Variety for 2025, Koromo, follows the Special Variety announced for the ZNA International Show in Japan that November[15]. The Northern Midwest ZNA chapter in the United States likewise identifies itself as a regional chapter of the international organization based in Beppu, Japan[16].

Variety and size categories used at Japanese ZNA shows

ZNA's entry rules for the International Koi Show define a numbered list of variety categories applied at its major Japanese show and recommended for ZNA district shows, including Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, Showa Sanshoku, Utsurimono, Kinginrin, Bekko, Asagi, Shusui, Koromo, Kawarimono, Goshiki, Hikarimono, Hikari Utsurimono, Mujimono, Hikari Mujimono, Tancho and separate Male categories[17]. Size is judged in "Bu" bands from under 15 Bu up to over 90 Bu, with major awards such as the Majestic Champion, Superior Champion, Mature Champion, Adult Champion, Young Champion and Baby Champion assigned to specific size groups[17]. ZNA notes that individual districts and chapters within Japan may adapt this classification for their own local shows[7].

Entries in this section

Common questions

What is the largest nationally organized koi show series in Japan?
The All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association runs three major national competitions each year: the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show, the All Japan Young Koi Show and the International Junior Koi Show, alongside the Zen Nippon Airinkai's separate district, chapter and International Koi Show system[1][2].
Where is the ZNA International Koi Show held?
The venue changes each year; the 62nd edition was scheduled for Tokiwa Park in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, November 13–15, 2026, with free admission[5].
What is a ZNA district or chapter show?
These are regional koi shows held by ZNA's Japanese prefectural chapters, such as those in Niigata, Hiroshima and Shiga, following a calendar published by ZNA and judging protocols derived from the ZNA International Koi Show, though local rules may vary[2][7].
Are Japanese koi shows open to the public?
According to the JNPA, most of its competitions are free to attend, and the ZNA International Koi Show also lists free admission[1][5].
How are koi judged at these shows?
The JNPA states that koi are judged on body shape, quality and pattern, with body shape—a solid skeletal structure and plump form—particularly emphasized[1], while ZNA applies a defined set of variety and size categories at its International Koi Show[17].

References

  1. ^ Q&A - All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. jnpa.info/en/qa/. Retrieved November 2026.
  2. ^ Show Calendar | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/show-calender/. Retrieved November 2026.
  3. ^ What’s ZNA | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/about-en/. Retrieved November 2026.
  4. ^ History of Nishikigoi show - All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. jnpa.info/en/show/history/. Retrieved November 2026.
  5. ^ The 62nd International Koi Show Page | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/the-62nd-international-koi-show-page/. Retrieved November 2026.
  6. ^ 第65回新潟県錦鯉品評会が開催されました（11月8日・9日） - 小千谷市ホームページ. Ojiya City. city.ojiya.niigata.jp/soshiki/kikakuseisaku/nishikigoi202511.html. Retrieved November 2026.
  7. ^ Koi classification (ZNA 2021), NMZNA 2026 show documents. nmzna.net. nmzna.net/2026%20Show%20Docs/NMZNA%202026%20Koi%20Classification%20…. Retrieved November 2026.
  8. ^ Zen Nippon Airinkai Overseas Chapter / Friendship Club List | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/zen-nippon-airinkai-overseas-chapter-friendship-club-list/. Retrieved November 2026.
  9. ^ About. Zen Nippon Airinkai America — znaamerica.com. znaamerica.com/about. Retrieved November 2026.
  10. ^ Schedule of the Nishikigoi Show - All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. jnpa.info/en/show/schedule/. Retrieved November 2026.
  11. ^ Niigata Prefecture (Wikipedia). Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niigata_Prefecture. Retrieved November 2026.
  12. ^ Japan Koi Shows 2026 | KOI JAPAN. japankoi.jp. japankoi.jp/en/koi-shows/2026. Retrieved November 2026.
  13. ^ ZNA SoCal 50th Annual Koi Show exhibitor registration packet (2026). znasocal.org. znasocal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-entrant-registration-1…. Retrieved November 2026.
  14. ^ What is Zen Nippon Airinkai? – Zen Nippon Arinkai Southern California. znasocal.org. znasocal.org/a-homepage-section/. Retrieved November 2026.
  15. ^ SAKKS – National – South African Koi Keepers Society. South African Koi Keepers Society. sakks.co.za/. Retrieved November 2026.
  16. ^ NMZNA Home. nmzna.net. nmzna.net. Retrieved November 2026.
  17. ^ 59th ZNA International Koi Show entry rules (ZNA). Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/59th-zna-koishow.pdf. Retrieved November 2026.