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you may have heard me use this example before but i think it's valid,
about a decade ago, a burger place in the pacific NW was found to have almost cost a young girl her life thru e-coli. People at that time, went to other places and ignored the restaurant. Many felt it would go under. But it prevailed and when tests were made by government agencies, this particular chain always was best in compliance. It wasn't long before people realized that actually because of what happened the business was now the safest place to eat in town.
I think the same can be said of any koi business that has multiple sources of stock. the ogatas' and sakai's of the world are not going to endanger their future by not being all over safe health practices. I think I'd be more concerned about once the koi left the farmer's diligent hand and went on to something less at a wholesalers or naiive dealer.
Last year I received koi from Japan and domestic, knew what safety factors were in place before i received them, qt'd them myself and have had no issues. By looking at our marketing mentality here in the U.S. you see many stores going "MEGA" because they know customers want to go to one plave and get all that they need for clothes, housewares, foods and i think travelers to japan who can find all they need in one location
also appreciate the convenience.
I've never gotten to Ogata's but appreciate his contribution to the industry. I have been to Toshio Sakai's many times and if i don't see what I want, all you have to do is mention it and soon your seeing it. It was just this situation that made me aware that besides incredible gosanke, one could find excellent shusui, asagi,kujaku, shiro utsuri etc.
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