Fitz’s Fish Ponds Supplies Grand Champion at the 72nd Nagaoka City Nishikigoi Show

Fitz’s Fish Ponds celebrates a milestone on Nagaoka’s biggest Nishikigoi stage. On October 26, 2025, an 88cm Kohaku exhibited by one of our customers was named Grand Champion at the 72nd Nagaoka City Nishikigoi Show in Niigata, Japan — the birthplace of the koi hobby.

This champion koi was sourced directly from Fitz’s Fish Ponds, which obtained it from the legendary Nogami Koi Farm, renowned worldwide for creating some of the finest Kohaku bloodlines. Seeing this extraordinary fish crowned at one of Japan’s most esteemed regional shows is a proud moment not just for the owner, but for our entire team.

A Win for the Whole Community

The Nagaoka City Nishikigoi Show is one of Japan's longest-running and most influential competitions. Many of the world’s top koi champions have advanced through its ranks, making a Grand Champion title here both rare and highly respected.

For Fitz’s Fish Ponds, this victory means more than just a trophy:

• It demonstrates that U.S. collectors are competing — and succeeding — at the top international level.
• It emphasizes the importance of strong breeder relationships, and we are proud to have built an excellent partnership with Nogami Koi Farm to deliver top-quality fish to our clients.
• It drives our mission to help hobbyists create competitive, world-class koi collections right here in the United States.

Celebrating Our Customer’s Success

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the owner of this champion Kohaku. Behind every Grand Champion is not just a beautiful koi — but a keeper who dedicates extraordinary care, passion, and patience to bring out its full potential. We are honored to have played a part in your success and look forward to supporting your continued journey in the show ring.

The Future of Champion-Level Imports at FFP

As the largest koi company in the United States, Fitz’s Fish Ponds is dedicated to advancing the hobby for collectors nationwide. Our procurement team travels to Japan several times a year, carefully selecting koi with the same potential and pedigree as this Grand Champion.

Whether you're aiming for competitive results or simply collecting exceptional beauty, we connect you directly to koi with real promise — from breeders like Nogami, Shintaro, Dainichi, Sakai, and more.

An International Moment, A Local Pride

From New Jersey to Niigata and back, this achievement embodies everything we aim for at Fitz’s Fish Ponds: excellence, passion, and worldwide craftsmanship delivered directly to our customers.

We are eager to keep pushing limits, raising standards, and celebrating more victories together in the future.

To learn more about upcoming Japan trips, show-quality imports, or how to start your own award-winning koi collection, contact our team or visit us at one of our eight retail locations.