Behind the Curtains: Fitz’s Fish Ponds & Luke’s Goldies Explore Japan’s Secret Koi World

In September 2025, YouTube influencer Luke of Luke’s Goldies embarked on a journey to Japan that would forever change his perspective on the world of fish—known to millions as the “goldfish guy,” Luke had built his brand around a passion for goldfish. But this time, accompanied by Brian Fitzsimmons, CEO and founder of Fitz’s Fish Ponds, and Brianna Yeomans, Media Manager, he stepped behind the veil of secrecy surrounding Japan’s koi farms—and found himself enthralled by the complexity, patience, and artistry behind koi breeding.

Luke’s Goldies in Japan: Exploring Koi Breeding with Fitz’s Fish Ponds

• Luke came into the trip with years of goldfish expertise but carried an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. From the first farm visit, he asked hundreds of questions, probing every detail of koi breeding, from fry selection to water quality management.
• Brian Fitzsimmons acted as the guide, unlocking doors to private farms and hidden greenhouses with his deep industry connections.
• Brianna Yeomans documented the journey, adding a creative lens to balance the technical rigor with the beauty and emotion of the experience.

Their mission was clear: go beyond what the public sees and immerse Luke in the authentic, behind-the-scenes craft of koi.

Koi Culling Season in Japan: Lessons from Master Breeders

September in Japan means one thing—culling season. Breeders were knee-deep in selecting which fry from hundreds of thousands would be nurtured into the future of koi lines. This brutal yet beautiful process taught Luke the immense skill and discipline required to shape a champion koi. He quickly realized koi breeding was not only about aesthetics but also structure, symmetry, and long-term potential.

What struck him most was the scale of loss—how few fry ever make it to adulthood. Yet the breeders’ meticulous eye and centuries of inherited wisdom guide every decision.

How Japanese Koi Farms Use Mountain Greenhouses

One of Luke’s biggest revelations came not from the ponds themselves but from the infrastructure that surrounds them. He was fascinated by the greenhouses dotting the mountainsides—structures designed to shield fragile fry from predators, weather, and fluctuating temperatures.

“They were everywhere,” Luke said with awe. “I learned so much about how breeders protect and nurture their koi, and I can already see ways I could improve my own setups back home.”

What Luke Learned About Japanese Koi Breeding

Luke’s relentless questioning uncovered truths that even seasoned hobbyists rarely grasp:

1. The patience of breeders — Decades of careful work go into a single bloodline.
   
   
2. The unseen investments — Heating, water management, and constant vigilance shape survival as much as genetics.
   
   
3. The balance of beauty and strength — Some koi that sparkle with color at first won’t make it, while plain-looking fry may grow into living jewels.
   
   
4. The artistry of environment — Every pond, every greenhouse, every water source plays a role in raising koi to their full potential.

From Goldfish to Koi: Luke’s Goldies Discovers a New Passion

Though he came to Japan as a goldfish ambassador, Luke left with a deep respect — and perhaps even a newfound passion — for koi. The craftsmanship, discipline, and culture surrounding koi opened his eyes to the broader aquatic world, which he had previously only skimmed the surface of.

“This trip has changed me,” Luke admitted. “I think I will be incorporating a koi pond very, very soon.”

Why This Trip Changed Luke’s Goldies and Fitz’s Fish Ponds

What started as a trip to capture footage became something far greater. For Luke, it was a masterclass in aquatic artistry. For Brian and Brianna, it was the joy of watching someone discover koi through fresh eyes. Together, they saw not just fish, but a living heritage passed down through generations of Japanese breeders.

This September 2025 trip will mark a pivotal chapter in Luke’s Goldies. The videos and stories to come won’t just showcase rare koi—they will share the heart, grit, and reverence behind them.