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Five months of running Ochiba, and we’re already preparing for our third koi shipment. It feels like just yesterday we were unpacking the first, which came with a haul of 1,011 Tosai and Jumbo Tosai. Then came the second shipment, slightly more refined but no less thrilling, with 348 Nisai and Sansei. Now, as we anticipate the third arrival, the excitement just doesn’t fade. If anything, it grows stronger with each new batch.
There’s something uniquely exhilarating about this process. Each shipment brings with it fresh hopes and possibilities—bigger koi, better varieties, and always something new. Over the months, we’ve worked hard to stabilize our stock. It’s not just about filling tanks; it’s about cultivating a space where these koi thrive. Our waters have matured like fine wine, and I’m happy to say, we’ve had very low losses. Knock on wood! The results we’ve achieved in what I fondly call our “grooming tanks” have been incredible. Watching those little Tosai grow and flourish is immensely satisfying.
Beyond that, our team has been on a creative journey of its own. We’ve been developing our line of stainless steel filtration systems—sleek, durable, and built to last. Naming them has been half the fun. Joe came up with some fantastic suggestions for our first round of filters: the DruidFlow10T, the Poseidrum30T, and the titan of them all, TitanFlow90T. Doesn’t that just make you feel like you’re summoning ancient gods to clear your water?
Our projects keep rolling in and out, one after another constantly improving our designs and the efficiency of our team. We’ve grown to a team of nine now, and believe me when I say, every one of us is running around like koi at feeding time. But that’s what makes it exciting. The work never stops, and neither does the passion.
Speaking of excitement, the most thrilling news on my plate by far is my upcoming trip to Japan. In just a few days, I’ll be back there for the second time this year, right in the heart of the harvest season. This trip is going to be special, not just because I’ll be there working alongside some of the best koi breeders in the world, but also because I’ll finally get to meet Joe Mitchell in person, our editor-in-chief, the man with the plan behind the Koi Perspective and one of my most exciting meetings planned for this trip!. I can’t wait to see what insights and knowledge we’ll exchange over countless cups of tea. (or sake, perhaps).
I leave India on October 17th and will be away until mid-November. That gives me about 22 days in Japan, most of which will be spent in Niigata. I’ll be roaming the farms, selecting koi for clients, and generally immersing myself in the world of Nishikigoi. There will be stops at the big names—Dainichi, Isa, Ikarashi, Aokiya—and some lesser-known gems that I can’t wait to explore. My goal? To bring back a strong, balanced stock that will round off our year with a bang. This will be our fourth and final shipment for 2024, and I’m determined to make it count. After that, we’ll be switching gears to focus on pre-booked imports, a much more tailored approach for the months ahead.
In this shipment, we’ve got some real showstoppers lined up: stunning Showa and Gosanke Tosai from Dainichi, Nisai and Jumbo Tosai from Torazo, Ikarashi, Omosako, Isa, and even a few hand-picked Sansai, including a jaw-dropping 80cm specimen from Maruhiro. It’s going to be a sight to behold once they arrive!
But beyond koi buying, this trip is about learning. I’m particularly excited to deepen my knowledge of koi medications, filtration systems, grooming methods, and feeds. Japan is the heartland of koi, and I feel like every time I visit, I come back with new insights—not just for myself, but for the wider Ochiba community. Running Ochiba Koi Studio has been more rewarding than I could have imagined. Over the last six months, I’ve watched people become enchanted by koi keeping. They’re drawn to the idea of having these graceful creatures in their homes, transforming their spaces with water features and, most importantly, learning to give their koi the best possible systems for health and longevity.
Our little community of Nishikigoi keepers is thriving. These once hobbyists have evolved into passionate koi collectors, with ponds filled with stunning fish and ever-improving filtration systems. They’re not just keeping koi—they’re mastering the art of it. And as they grow, so does our reputation. More than 60% of our business growth has come from client referrals, which to me is the best validation of our work. There’s nothing quite like a satisfied koi lover singing your praises!
Our little community of Nishikigoi keepers is thriving. These once hobbyists have evolved into passionate koi collectors, with ponds filled with stunning fish and ever-improving filtration systems. They’re not just keeping koi—they’re mastering the art of it. And as they grow, so does our reputation. More than 60% of our business growth has come from client referrals, which to me is the best validation of our work. There’s nothing quite like a satisfied koi lover singing your praises!
Now, let’s take a moment to talk about India. This country of 1.7 billion people is teeming with potential when it comes to koi keeping. With a booming aquarium and aquascaping scene, the koi pond is often seen as the final frontier—the ultimate expression of the hobby. Picture this: a large, clear pond nestled in your garden, filled with majestic koi gliding effortlessly through the water. You’re sipping your morning tea or evening scotch, completely mesmerized by their hypnotic movements. It’s a moment of calm that nothing else can quite match.
In today’s world, where life is hectic, work is monotonous, and stress is sky-high, koi ponds offer a sanctuary. They’re not just an addition to your home—they’re a refuge. And that’s why I believe nature is the future of luxury, especially here in India. More and more people are recognizing this, and at Ochiba, our focus in the coming year will be on creating these serene, well-designed, and perfectly filtered ponds that help people reconnect with the natural world.
As for Japan, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for the next contenders for the All Japan Koi Show and the IJKS. And believe me, it’s always an adventure trying to spot that future winner. We’re especially thrilled to see our junior IJKS winners thrive, and my prized Gin Kogane Ochiba, which has been in Azukari with Maruhiro. There’s a certain magic to seeing koi you’ve raised reach that kind of potential. The possibility of finding that next grand champion adds a layer of excitement to the whole experience. The thrill of the hunt, the joy of discovery—it’s what keeps the heart of a koi keeper beating strong.
So, that’s where we are. A lot has happened, and even more is on the horizon. Japan is calling, and I can’t wait to come back with new stories, insights, and perhaps even a few surprises. Stay tuned for updates—there will be plenty of new content, both written and on video, once I return.
Until then, take care of yourselves and your ponds. Koi keeping isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of life.
My study of the Nishikigoi Guide continues!
Based in Pune, we proudly serve koi lovers across Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and all of Pan India—with Nishikigoi Direct Delivery available worldwide.
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