![]() ![]() Known to swim against the current and overcome great obstacles (as mentioned in an old saying described below), koi symbolize strength, courage, patience, and success through perseverance. In Japan, koi symbolizes many good qualities. In fact, koi are frequently raised in aquaponics systems we see today. This is similar to the concept behind modern-day aquaponics. The cycle continued until winter when farmers harvested the koi to add extra protein to their diet and help their families get through cold winters. While the koi fish fertilize the rice plants with their droppings, the rice plants help clean the water by filtering out and absorbing nutrients within the droppings. Farmers would place the koi in rice paddies where there was an ample supply of water. How are koi fish and rice farming related? With many rice paddies came the opportunity to raise koi fish for a little extra protein in preparation for the winter. Niigata has historically been an important prefecture for rice cultivation, and, located along the Japan Sea, is also known for its seafood, hot springs, and ski-ways. The koi did not have any specific patterns of colors, and for the most part were brownish in color. But why koi? Were they always this valuable? And how did the relationship between koi and the Japanese people develop?Īs we mentioned briefly in the introduction, it is said that koi fish were first introduced to Japan, more specifically Yamakoshi Village in Niigata Prefecture, as a source of food. Both in terms of monetary value and cultural significance, these seemingly easy-going fish are not to be taken lightly. The price of such precious koi? Up to hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even over a million dollars. Hobbyists gather at annual koi competitions to showcase their most prized specimens. Koi has since spread its fins beyond Japan and is now loved by people around the world. In fact, the earliest record of koi farming traces back to China in the 5th Century B.C. ![]() Although koi are the national fish of Japan, they are not a native species -they were brought to Japan from China in the 1st Century A.D. In this Japanese tradition, called koi nobori, koi fish streamers of different colors and sizes are decorated outside of the house in a specific order to represent each member of the family. Every May 5th on Children’s Day, I remember seeing beautiful koi fish (Japanese carp) streamers dancing in the wind above my neighbor’s house. ![]()
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