Sorry to leave this one so late.
Despite the Japanese economy being a little low, the most expensive Koi was 200,000 yen up on any that I had seen at any previous auctions, for either Tosai, or Nisai. Can't elaborate any more on that one though, other than to say that it was a Sanke.
As for Kohaku number 8. I pulled out of bidding way before the limit was reached. The reason being, that the fault was in the form of a very slight ridge in the scales where the back bone rises up over the Koi, half way between the back of the head, and front on the dorsal. It is possible that it was just a bruise, but I doubt it. If I had continued to the limit, then firstly, my client may still have been outbid, and even if we did get it, it may have created a situation of disatisfaction. The easy option would have been to have carried on and buy it (which would have paid for some of my airfare), but wouldn't have been good for my man. If I had bought it prior to the point pulling out, I wouldn't have minded being stuck with it, and trying to sell it elsewhere (if the Koi didn't meet with approval). I am pretty sure that the Koi went to a breeder, who is seeking genetics, not perfection. There's the debrief
Mike.