Why did ZNA switch from RInko to Nicherin? JR or somebody?

[RayJordan]

Hi,
I have been building my collection of old koi magazines and just wondering why ZNA switched from Rinko to Nicherin. who knows some of the specifics. Not trying to dig up any dirt just curious.

[JasPR]

Parting of the ways between owner and editor. The ZNA could not buy the rights to the magazine or name RINKO so that started the new magazine as NICHIRIN in May of 1990. JR

[RayJordan]

Thanks JR

[111whalen]

Another fine example of politics.

[JasPR]

Nope, nothing what-so-ever to do with politics. Just another fine example of money as a driving force, and the wisdom of hindsight regarding the reading of fine print on contracts. JR

[MikeM]

Well, it gave us two fine magazines! I do wish English Rinko was available in hard copy and that English Nichirin had the written content quality of the early 1990s.

[RayJordan]

Hi Mike,
I have to agree with you that the in depth content of both magazines seems to have suffered at times and the past few years in particular. Mostly show reports and breeder and hobbyist interviews.

My favorite articles in the past were the koi appreciation series. Kuroki in particular was a gifted writer describing a variety and the key points of appreication (judging) This series ran about every 6-8 years. It is really interesting to see the 1st one that is fairly strict about faults, etc and then read the 2nd & 3rd set where overall appearence is more of what is emphasized. Also the koi quality in photos/drawings utilized to emphaisize the article points is a neat journey as well. I have sent some suggestions to ZNA home office for articles to be done in Nicherin. But, I wonder if a few hundred english subscribers can affect their direction.

BTW- if anyone knows where I can find some older english rinko magazines to fill in my gaps in issues(especially) pre-1980 please send me a email or pm.

[JasPR]

I also would like to see Rinko go to paper again. But that business decision was made a long time ago and it's not likely to change back.

Nichirin is very expensive to publish. We had discussed bring it in , in bulk and mailing in the USA. Nichirin in English is the brain child of Kuroki and with him gone, there is not a burning desire to do the 'Evangelist thing' any more. It was never a money maker and if it was not subsidized by Beppu and the beneficiary of wealth member's generosity , it own not exist today. So between cost of the pages themselves there is also translation limits and Japanese members contributions are not sought out as aggressively any more due to that translation expense. On the other hand, the membership in Japan is less than years ago as prices of fish get higher and the 'newness' of nishikigoi wains. - JR