I Witnessed the Real Struggles of Koi Breeding in Japan | T.N.J. | EP#102

In this brutally honest episode of The Nishikigoi Journal, Ricky Stoddart experiences the real-world challenges of koi farming in Japan — from extreme heat and low water levels to behind-the-scenes mud pond work and visits to some of his most important fish. The day begins with pond maintenance alongside KB, where Ricky learns about techniques like bottom “scratching” and the use of custom-brewed bacteria to boost mud pond performance. As the journey continues, he checks multiple ponds — including his own grow-out pond — to evaluate the impact of ongoing drought conditions. With many ponds severely affected by the weather and fry harder to spot than ever, the episode lays bare the truth about mud pond management, koi growth, and what it really takes to produce great results. The video wraps up with a rare visit to Saito’s farm, offering a small but valuable glimpse into one of Japan’s most respected breeders. ⸻ 📚 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Dealing with the Heat 01:08 – Picking Up the Car & Meeting KB 02:11 – Pond pH, Bacteria & Bottom Scratching 06:02 – Why Small Changes Lead to Big Results 08:01 – Water Shortages Across Niigata 09:25 – Driving to the Ponds & Water Level Shock 13:03 – Checking on Jumbo Tosai Growth 16:36 – Massive Size Jumps in the Grow-Out Pond 19:14 – Why This Pond Could Be Key in Autumn 20:57 – Champion Pond Glimpse 22:11 – Super Special Showa Pond Update 24:10 – Feeding Tests & Silkworm Food Observations 26:54 – Back Down & Off to Visit Saito 27:50 – A Glimpse into Saito’s Mud Pond Work 30:20 – Feeding Saito’s Nisai Pond 32:21 – Wrap Up from a Scorching Day in Yamakoshi ⸻ 🎥 The Nishikigoi Journal documents Ricky’s journey inside Japan’s koi industry — from breeder insights and personal projects to raw, unfiltered realities of high-level koi keeping. 🔔 Subscribe to follow the full story from Japan and beyond. 💬 Drop a comment — Ricky reads every one. ⸻ Ricky Stoddart Nishikigoi – High-End Japanese Koi 🏆 For those passionate about the very best in Japanese koi, Ricky Stoddart Nishikigoi offers hand-selected koi from Japan’s top breeders. 🔹 WhatsApp Auctions & Updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/INLXWQKETHU... – Join our exclusive WhatsApp group for koi auctions, business updates, and the latest from Ricky Stoddart. 🔹 Telegram Community: https://t.me/+T6vKpoKTVP9jYjlk – A place for all things koi! Connect with fellow koi keepers, ask questions, share experiences, and engage in a supportive community where everyone has a voice. ⸻ Koi Online – Your Go-To Destination for Buying Koi Online 🛒 Looking for a fun, interactive way to buy Japanese koi? Koi Online is a specialist online brand where new koi are regularly listed for sale. 🔹 Shop Koi Online: https://koionline.co.uk – Browse & buy Japanese koi anytime, with new stock added regularly. 🔹 WhatsApp Auctions: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HwMm4sFgNDE... – Get involved in weekly koi auctions, bid easily, and secure top koi at great prices.