How far more advanced are the breeders are now than say 10 years ago...

[aquitori]

How far more advanced are the breeders(sons who have taken over farm) now, than say 10 years ago? Does some of the OG breeders that are still around carry the name they use to carry 10 years ago too?...

[dick benbow]

in the last 5 years toshio sakai of Sakai-Isawa has literally distroyed my 20 years of intense study of his bloodline with his new beni and sumi.His son, now back from his internship, is becoming more involved and hopefully will
begin contributing......Kentaro sakai from Hiroshima....has made a wonderful
contribution to their organization. When Mano-san passed away at Daiinichi and everyone was not sure how the sons would do, I think many are very impressed. Yagenji, hosokai...I could go on and on...don't sell this generation short, wonderfully passionate about the business of producing world class koi.

[Brutuscz]

Do you mean advanced as far as breeding and koi keeping techniques? Or, do you mean advanced as far as fish quality. I look at pictures of the Maruyamu showa and compare it to the dainichi showa from years ago. I don't think the quality is any better...maybe just the size.

[dick benbow]

quality.....take a look at Russ's recent post of sakai-Isawa's #1 nisei showa.
This fish is just up out of the mud...the red is full no hoshi, the sumi is up no mado's or cage....how do they do that? the new gene's are hard to fathom, you'd atleast think the beni stretched and would need to fill in instead of looking knock dead georgeous. It's pictured on the PS koi to japan thread

[koiczar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz Do you mean advanced as far as breeding and koi keeping techniques? Or, do you mean advanced as far as fish quality. I look at pictures of the Maruyamu showa and compare it to the dainichi showa from years ago. I don't think the quality is any better...maybe just the size.

Brutuscz

The old saying about "a picture is worth a thousand words" doesn't seem to apply to koi. Seeing the two fish in person and the differences can't be expressed in ten thousand words. First, the head on the Dainichi fish is on the small side for it's body and it's volume pales in comparison to the Maruyama showa. Also, when you look at the photos, remember, the Maruyama fish is over 12 years old. I believe (correct me here if I'm wrong) the Dainichi showa was only around 8 years of age. Also remember that these are two extraordinary examples and the average high quality fish fail to compare.

As Dick B mentioned, Sakai Isawa (Matsunosuke) has spent the last 20 years developing his new keito of showa. It has only been stable (and considered an actual bloodline) for the past 4 years. If you look at the picture Dick is talking about, I think you'll see an incredible difference in quality from any other showas you've ever seen. I really think he's got the handle on imparting kohaku beni into a showa.

Mike

[Brutuscz]

Your probably right about the pictures...can't really tell. Seeing them in person must be a great deal different. I actually have a matsunosuke showa that I purchased last year. It was imported by Toyoma...still a very young fish at 12 inches, but it has sumi waiting to explode as it grows. Where is the showa picture you are talking about....I can't find it?!?!

[Brutuscz]

Ok...found the pics. Definitely outstanding. Hope mine is related to this one..lol!!!

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz Ok...found the pics. Definitely outstanding. Hope mine is related to this one..lol!!!

From What I understand, Toshio is just releasing his new Showa line now, so you may not have one.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow in the last 5 years toshio sakai of Sakai-Isawa has literally distroyed my 20 years of intense study of his bloodline with his new beni and sumi.His son, now back from his internship, is becoming more involved and hopefully will begin contributing......Kentaro sakai from Hiroshima....has made a wonderful contribution to their organization. When Mano-san passed away at Daiinichi and everyone was not sure how the sons would do, I think many are very impressed. Yagenji, hosokai...I could go on and on...don't sell this generation short, wonderfully passionate about the business of producing world class koi.

Along the line of sons continuing.......At dinner, Tadashi Hosokai talked about a new color and variety of Koi he is planning on breeding. He will start next season, but it may be many years before we see anything.

[koiczar]

I believe Russell is correct. This is the first year for sales for the new showa line!?