| Kuroki San did more to spread the hobby of Nishikigoi than anyone living or dead. Before his books, his efforts with ZNA and his editorship with Rinko, no one in the west really had any idea about koi varieties and the mystique of koi as a fundamental Japanese love and art form. His support and enthusiasm for the koi show and the categorizing of koi crosses was typical of a scientific mind. But the man was also an artist and poet. Many do not realize that he published Japanese poetry under a pen name. He supported the hobby with words, deeds and money. His chapter in Beppu/ Oita still considers the showa as their special club fish and take great pride in the knowledge each member has regarding this variety- it is no wonder that showa was Kuroki's favorite.
Kuroki San has received awards upon awards from the Japanese government, trade groups and associations- the man was a giant.
Today his books are dated but I have never failed to learn something new when I pick up the books. The more you know, the more you can read his words in a different light and begin to understand his depth of knowledge. And in all of his writings, his fascination with koi comes through.
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