I think I would put Dainichi in a class above Toshio Sakai, even thou I didnt add him to the list I felt that the breeder was put in a class all by himself. Even thou the founder is gone the tradition still lives on. As far as innovator goes not very many people even Westerners were allowed into his "Circle" so alot of Mr. Mano's knowledge was keep a secret and out of the eyes of many people. We still til this day dont know what bloodlines he used to make the Dainichi line and I dont think Maruyama would give note to that, even thou they worked so close together to develop their lines.
As it stands today many breeders use the Dainichi Kohak(u) and Showa lines that make up their famous fish today. From Sakai Hiroshima to Momotaro etc etc. Toshio has spent the last decade refining his product and seeing the weakness in his product he has barrowed from quite a few from the aboved mentioned breeders. I think that's why he was at a Momotaro Auction buying fish. Like Dick B stated, he spent awhile learning Toshio's stuff to have him change it up again like that. But honestly, I can only see one fish from the Sakai Magoi bloodline that took high prize at All Japan and that is the 101cm Sanke. Where are the rest of these prize winning fish from the Magoi bloodline? Only 1 Sanke, in which Mr. Maeda raised to exceed 1 meter for competition.
I watched the "Koi Talk" video again and was amazed to hear that without the help of Peter Waddington and the "Koi Kichi" book Toshio Sakai wouldnt be where he is now in status...
IMHO...Dainichi and Toshio Sakai can not be spoken in the same breathe.
__________________
IMA NI KOI BITO DE:
The sheep gather and convince themselves that the truth is not the truth.
from the mouth of "Hamburger Helper"...