Going to Japan

[dizzyfish]

I would like to go over for the 2006 April 9th All Japan Koi Show. I realize there is a professional tour, but I'm looking to do the trip on the cheap so I can buy more koi. I'm a retailer and wishing to establish contacts for my business. Anyone have an advice?
Thanks,
Mitch

[koiczar]

Mitch

To go to Japan and expect to "buy fish", here's what you need

1) THE MOST IMPORTANT THING - a broker/shipper - If you don't have a shipper, none of the breeders will even talk to you. That's because not every breeder is a shipper. There are very few that are. If you have an agent, he can make the appointments with the breeders you wish to see prior to your arrival, and will handle your shipping for you. Here's the name of one agent: go to www.koi-breeders.jp/, click on the top banner "sales info" then select koi hunting guide. He basically spells it all out for you as to what you can expect to pay on top of the price that you and the breeder agree upon for the fish. The prices he quotes are pretty typical of what the brokers there charge for their services. Of course, don't forget - airfare, train tickets, car rental(?) hotel and food. The hotel is not that much if you stay in Ojiya City or Nagaoka. Ojiya City is much closer to Niigata breeders than Nagaoka. Food is actually much more reasonable than people think. You can eat on $25/day or less, depending upon your appetite.LOL

[dick benbow]

Fujio Oomo has a website, would act in the capacity you need. Speaks very good english, has a close relationship with many top breeders and does a decent job of breeding showa himself.

[bekko]

That's a nice web site Koiczar, thanks. Dick, I can't find a site for Fujio Oomo.


-steveh opk

[dizzyfish]

Thanks for the info guys. Koiczar that really is a great website many thanks. Dick I too would like to see a link to Fujio Oomo's site.

Mitch

PS
How hard is it to get into the 2006 April 9th All Japan Koi Show? Do you need a special invite, or can you just pay an entrance fee?

[dick benbow]

the last time I chatted with fujio about asagi's was about 6 months ago. I got hold of him at: oomo@echigo.ne.jp he can answer all your questions about arraingements. If you go you will have to give us all a travel log....

[dizzyfish]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow the last time I chatted with fujio about asagi's was about 6 months ago. I got hold of him at: oomo@echigo.ne.jp he can answer all your questions about arraingements. If you go you will have to give us all a travel log....

Thanks again Dick. I sure would be happy to share the details of the adventure.
I do plan on taking my Canon 10D. Does anyone know if Canon lens are much cheaper in Japan? How about laptops? Which cities are the best for shopping? I would also like to visit some good pet stores while there. I am interested in seeing the marine fish offered for sale there. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Mitch

[koiczar]

Mitch

Most all electronics are much higher priced in Japan than here. Can you believe it? Don't know of any "pet stores" you could shop at. All my time on my trips to Japan is spent looking and buying koi. There's not much else in Niigata other than some shopping you could do at local stores and a few "department" stores.

Yes, if you go to the show on April 9th, I believe you just show up at the door, pay to get in (if a fee is charged) and go look!! I can tell you this though, if you don't have plane reservations yet, you're gonna pay through the nose at this late date. From where you are, expect to pay around $1250 - $1800 just for airfare. Now if you wait and go in October for the Fall Harvest, you can book reservations early, get great fares and have evrything set up in advance with whomever you decide to use as an agent. I would do that first as most get booked up very quickly for that time of year. Once you have your agent set up, the rest is a piece of cake. They may even be able to set up your hotel accomodations for you. Yes, Oomo is a great guy and has MANY breeder friends. He speaks very good English and has a great "eye" for koi. His place is worth seeing, especially if you like showas, goshikis and his specialty goshiki-showa.

Best of Luck

Keep us posted on your adventure

Mike

[aquitori]

Hopefully I will be able to go to the AJZNA if it is held in late Nov....But I will go to Japan for sure.