I Bred These Showa in Japan… Now It’s Time to Select Them | T.N.J. | EP#101

In this unforgettable episode of The Nishikigoi Journal, Ricky Stoddart returns to Japan to take on one of the most meaningful challenges of his koi journey yet — the first selection of his very own Japan-bred Showa. After a successful spawning just weeks prior, the time has come to discover what truly lies beneath the surface of the mud pond. With tensions high and expectations unknown, Ricky must sort through thousands of koi fry, narrowing down the group to those worthy of moving forward. The outcome? 765 Showa selected — a personal milestone over two decades in the making. This video captures the emotion, pressure, and excitement of that moment. It’s more than just a koi selection — it’s the realisation of a dream that started over 20 years ago. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 📚 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Arrival in Japan 01:08 – Preparing for the First Selection 02:30 – Netting the Pond & First Glimpses 06:25 – Breaking Down the Numbers 09:41 – The Importance of Removing Oversized Fish 10:36 – Spotting the Standout Tategoi 13:09 – Rejections, Standouts, and Reflections 15:39 – Final Net: Highest Level Fish So Far 17:48 – Ricky & Fujio Discuss Top Picks 19:05 – Estimated Totals and Future Expectations 23:42 – Releasing the Selected Showa 26:10 – Reflecting on the Journey & Childhood Dreams 28:23 – What’s Next on the Trip ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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.