The Origin Of Koi And The Importance Of Koi In Japanese Culture

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koi fish

The Origin Of Koi And The Importance Of Koi In Japanese Culture

 

Koi (carp), often referred to as Nishikigoi, is considered one of Japan’s most representative species of fish.

Koi carps are a well-known species in Japan, and in addition to being seen in aquariums, they are also found in natural environments throughout the country.

For instance, you might come across them in Japanese gardens or shrines; some people even have them in their ponds. It cannot be o overstatement to claim that koi plays a pivotal role in Japan’s traditional culture.

But what kind of fish is a koi, and how did it get so famous in Japan in the first place? In this piece, we will investigate the mysteries surrounding the koi fish from various angles and points of view.


What Exactly Is Koi Fish?

Koi are a type of fish native to Japan and can be found in various freshwater environments, including rivers, ponds, and marshes.

koi fish

It is a fish that consumes anything it may find in its environment, as it is an omnivore.

Animal foods such as pond snails, crustaceans such as crayfish, and insect larvae such as dragonflies are among the animal foods they consume. Plant foods such as algae are also among the plant foods they consume.

Sometimes bugs and fruits like persimmons float to the water’s surface; when they do, the creatures living there will consume them. Koi actually do consume whatever that they can find to eat in the water around them.


What Does Koi Symbolize In Japan?

Since ancient times, the Japanese have held a deep affection for koi, who are known for their tenacity and ability to achieve their goals.

koi fish

The koi fish, closely tied to the Japanese national identity, is a symbol of anything that is considered positive, including good luck, prosperity, vitality, and longevity.

On the other hand, koi were originally discovered in China approximately 2,500 years ago and weren’t brought to Japan until several decades later. Koi fish were initially taken to the United States in the early 19th century with the purpose of being consumed.

People didn’t start breeding koi or cultivating the fish until quite a bit of time had passed after they had initially done neither of those things. Let’s begin by taking a more in-depth look at some characteristics that lend koi its favorable reputation.


Strong Vitality

Even in a chilly pond, koi can maintain their speedy swimming pace, making them one of the most powerful living things found in the ocean.

They are also huge and sturdy, which may be the reason why, in comparison to other fish, they appear to be so tough.

As a result of their enormous size and the fact that they have the potential to live for a very long time, they have become a symbol of both good fortune and good health.

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Longevity

Koi fish have an average lifespan of 20 to 70 years, depending on the species and the individual fish.

koi fish

However, some koi have been known to survive for more than 70 years. Because of its exceptionally long lifespan, the koi fish has become a symbol of both good health and long life.

It has been hypothesized that the average lifespan of koi living in the wild differs from that of koi kept as pets or in other artificial environments.


The Myth Of The Carp That Climbed Up The Waterfall

According to a myth from China, koi can swim so far upstream that they can even reach the peak of a waterfall if they really put their minds to it.

The koi fish that make it to the top of the waterfall will eventually transform into mighty dragons once they have triumphed over the obstacles and endured a great deal of suffering.

The Koi (carp), often referred to as Nishikigoi, is considered one of Japan’s most representative fish. The Koi is a species of fish native to Japan and can be found in various freshwater environments, including rivers, ponds, and marshes.

It is a fish that consumes anything it may find in its environment, as it is an omnivore. Animal foods such as pond snails, crustaceans such as crayfish, and insect larvae such as dragonflies are among the animal foods they consume.

Plant foods such as algae are also among the plant foods they consume. Sometimes bugs and fruits like persimmons float to the water’s surface; when they do, the creatures living there will consume them.

Koi actually do consume whatever that they can find to eat in the water around them. Koi carps are a well-known species in Japan, and in addition to being seen in aquariums, they are also found in natural environments throughout the country.

For instance, you might come across them in Japanese gardens or shrines; some people even have them in their ponds. It is not an overstatement to say or claim that the koi plays an essential role in Japan’s traditional culture.

But what kind of fish is a koi, and how did it get so famous in Japan in the first place?
In this piece, we will investigate the mysteries of koi from several distinct vantage points.

This is a well-known urban legend in Japan, referred to as “Tryu-mon,” which literally translates to “the entrance to success.”

The moral lesson to learn from the story is that you can only become an expert in your profession by first enduring adversity. Still, if you push yourself to achieve the unachievable, you’ll find that it ultimately leads to your success.


The Color Of The Koi Fish

The several varieties of koi each have their unique coloring.

koi fish

Nishikigoi is available in a wide range of colors, in contrast to the common carp which are typically a light brown color and can be found in rivers and streams.

Several Nishikigoi has patterns of red and white, as well as patterns of red, white, and black. There is also a yellow kind of Nishikigoi that has a golden sheen.

The Nishikigoi are known as “Swimming Jewels” due to their regal appearance and exquisite beauty, which has a mesmerizing effect on anybody who has observed them.


What Are The Prices For Koi Fish?

As the koi gained popularity all over the world, breeding efforts increased, which ultimately resulted in the creation of hundreds of different species of koi.

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Its prices range from extremely inexpensive to extremely costly, depending on the type of koi, its condition, and which of the thirteen general classifications it falls into.

Naturally, the price will be higher if the fish are in better health and have gorgeous coloring and a more illustrious pedigree. The Kohaku variety of koi is known to be the priciest, with individual fish fetching prices reaching several million yen.

The world record for a koi was broken in 2017 when it was sold for a staggering 200 million (1.8 million US dollars). However, not all koi are nearly as pricey as that; the least expensive Nishikigoi can be purchased for as little as $500.

Research is carried out every day, and breeding efforts are continually being made to develop koi with even more exquisite appearances.

Japan places a great deal of importance on the process of koi breeding. Additionally, there are contests that judge the color, condition and overall attractiveness of Nishikigoi.


The Presence Of Koi Fish And Japanese Gardens

Koi fish have been a common feature of the ponds that may be found inside Japanese gardens.

Regrettably, up to this day, the precise explanation for why this occurred is still a mystery. On the other hand, Koi fish have a dignified beauty that pairs nicely with the refined appearance of Japanese gardens to produce a graceful Japanese worldview.

In certain Japanese gardens, visitors are allowed to feed koi fish. It is recommended that you check their businesses located within the gardens and the official website in advance because some of them sell koi food.


Koi Fish And Shrines

You should already be aware of this, but koi have deep roots in Japanese culture, and as a result, they have a substantial connection to the Shinto temples that dot the country.

koi fish

The Kurihashi Yasaka Shrine may be found in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture. This is the only shrine in the world dedicated to the carp.

In front of the torii gate, there are typically stone statues depicting komainu, which are legendary creatures described as having the appearance of lions and acting as messengers between humans and the gods.

On the other hand, the Kurihashi Yasaka Shrine has a carp serving as the messenger of their god in the front of their shrine. This particular variety is extremely uncommon in Japan. Additionally, “Goshuin” with a carp design can be obtained at this shrine.

The goshuin is a stamp that proves you have visited the shrine, and some visitors collect these stamps as a form of collecting in and of itself. Ask a member of the shrine personnel to obtain a Goshuin stamp if you are interested in getting one from this location.


Koi Fish And Children’s Day Traditions

The Japanese celebration most closely associated with koi is Children’s Day, one of the many holidays celebrated in Japan.

On this particular day, many families throw parties to celebrate that their kids are developing normally. It is also a day to express gratitude to the mother for her role in the child’s birth.

In the beginning, it was a day set aside to wish for the healthy growth of boys, but as the years have passed, it has transitioned into a day to desire the growth of all children.

You may likely see “koinobori,” which are windsocks shaped like carp, on Children’s Day. According to popular belief, this practice dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868).

In the beginning, only the samurai soldiers would place their flags in front of their doorways; however, as time passed, the townspeople began to do the same thing.

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It is stated that the rationale for exhibiting windsocks in the shape of carp is strongly tied to the mythology of the carp going up the waterfall, which was introduced earlier, and that there is hope for children to grow up to be as strong and healthy as the carp.

Since ancient times, Japan’s traditions and culture have been strongly connected to the koi fish. Many individuals in Japan have been enthralled with koi for a significant amount of time.

People in Japan believe that koi have the same bravery as samurai did in the past because they have strong attributes that the general public covets and because koi have these qualities themselves.

We really hope that you have a great time seeing all of these swimming gems while you are in Japan!


 

Questions People Also Ask: (FAQs)

What Makes Koi Fish So Unique And Desirable?

What does Koi symbolize in Japan? Since ancient times, the Japanese have held a deep affection for Koi, who are known for their tenacity and ability to achieve their goals.

The koi fish, closely tied to the Japanese national identity, is a symbol of anything that is considered positive, including good luck, prosperity, vitality, and longevity.

Are Koi Fish Dangerous To Humans?

Are My Fingers Safe? Koi will not bite while you are feeding them, but they may tug on your finger in an attempt to receive food.

This is completely safe. Public domain. Koi have highly muscular lips, and if they can get a hold of any of your fingers while they are feeding, they will be able to give you a visible “pull.”

Do You Have Permission To Pet A Koi Fish?

It’s fine to give them a light tap on the fingers as they swim over your hand in the pond or a peck on the hand as you feed them, but you shouldn’t take them out of the water to pet them or pick them up.

It is only necessary for a koi keeper to handle their fish if they are ill or in distress; in all other circumstances, this is not the case.

Are Koi Fish Difficult To Care For In Any Way?

Does Caring for Koi Fish Require a Lot of Effort? Koi fish maintenance is not difficult in and of itself, but it does provide some unique problems.

The most important thing is to keep their water clean, balanced, and well-aerated. They are omnivores and have a wide variety of dietary options, which allows them to survive the winter.

Is It True That Koi Fish Are Better Than Goldfish?

Although some people believe goldfish to be hardier than Koi, the requirements to keep them healthy vary greatly depending on the breed.

Even though they are smaller than Koi, they generate a bigger amount of waste in proportion to their body size and, as a result, require a higher concentration of dissolved oxygen (and more frequent pond cleaning).

Do Koi Fish Appreciate Being Pets?

Not only are koi fish friendly to other species of fish, but when they see their owner or when it is time to eat, they may also swim to the surface to say hello.

Koi fish are known to be particularly talkative. There are even some koi who enjoy being petted and will swim up to the surface to have their heads scratched.

Which Koi Colors Command The Most Prices?

There are Koi, for instance, that have spots of pale blue, some that have huge red patches on their backs, and others that are entirely golden in color. These are typically the most expensive varieties of koi fish. The fish must have a certain aesthetic appeal for the buyer to be willing to spend a higher price.

Do Koi Fish Eat Goldfish?

Are Koi able to consume fancy goldfish? The answer is yes, with a modest risk (small species). It is generally acceptable to keep regular common goldfish in the same tank as Koi; however, fancy goldfish, particularly the smaller types, should be housed in a different tank than Koi.


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