Showing: English style vs Japanese style.

[Andrew]

Very interesting, I look forward to seeing how this pans out.

Mind you, it put's the "Best Vat" award in a very different context!

[MikeM]

Given what they charge as entry fees, I imagine they could afford a few more vats

[MikeM]

I decided to bring this old thread back up because I've been reading a good bit about efforts in Japan to adapt to the notion of English-style shows. Rinko has even highlighted a tosai "show" where the little guys were in individual plastic bags laying on the ground. But, it was the May issue of Nichirin that kind of surprised me when the following comment was made by the editorial staff:

"The English style show was the first experience for the Yamaguchi Chapter members, but the show was a success without any confusion. They think about 'judging by scores' for the next show. It must put judges through their paces."

The idea of 'judging by scores' was pretty much eliminated from koi judging a couple of decades ago in favor of a holistic approach. I found it very surprising that it is seriously suggested by a significant ZNA chapter & that the thought is repeated in Nichirin. Contemplating a 3,000 entry show, I can understand the temptation to make things easier. But, surely koi judging will not go backwards that way??

[James P]

Having judged Japanese shows in Japan I can tell you that there are NO secrets between regional breeders. Everyone knows everyones fish and customers. In the Oita show that I judged , there were six main dealers. They brought their customers fish, they set up the show and they bagged thier customers fish. So if all the fish came from the same breeder/dealer facility it doesn't matter who the owners are. Especially if the dealer is given a fixed number of vats for all his customers and no others are allowed in those vats.
Our impression of Japanese style shows is formed by the hype surrounding the ALL Japan and the ZNA National. But the majority of shows are built around the concept of local chapters. And the local chapter meeting is still a real thing. So between the limited number of dealers servicing each chapter and the communal nature of the chapter itself, I suspect disease is not a big issue. And of course, there has not been any report of KHV at a koi show in Japan yet.
In USA shows, dealers are allowed to compete in a dealer division. They can also have a vat of customer fish that can compete with amatuer's tanks. The owners names are given and the koi compete like any other. But the fish themselves stay in the ' BLUE Gill farms' vat during the show. And that vat might have five different 'new owners'.
As for judging an English style show with 80- 160- 250- 400 - it doesn't matter. Each size and variety is a single event. So the totals don't matter in the least. In the crowded size/class you simple eliminate the bottom half and concentrate on the upper six or eight fish. After a while you do, as Bernie states, develop an uncanny memory for this quirky activity!

Japanese style is gone in America for the forseeable future. Only one hold out left that I know of. But with KHV having now effected three US shows, it is irresponsible, albeit a sad admission, to put peoples pets at risk for efficiency sake. Reality has tempered most thinking people's preferences at this point.
JR

[dick benbow]

Great post guys! That's what I get for going back to the farm and working with the kohakus and sanke's. Not much to be added but lots of good input
on a timely subject!

[shiromujigirl]

In truth, in the UK at least, I'm unconvinced that we will ever see a Japanese style show. It is interesting that the US seem to be re-adopting the format. How long this will last there only time will tell.

_________________
Mark Gardner

I would never, ever, EVER put a fish of mine in a Japanese style show. Furthermore, I think we need splash guards between tanks and a lot more care in water flinging benching episodes.

Yes, it is rare or so some of the pundits say. But consider the possibility of KHV wiping out your collection. I could never replace the fish I have.

[Brady Brandwood]

Hi JR,

Can you please clarify the scenarios in which KHV has affected 3 US shows please? I have only heard of KHV in the vendor or dealer's areas,... I have not heard of any infection or contamination in any US Show rings,...

Best Wishes,
Brady Brandwood