Kanno

Kanno Koi Farm

Situated in the scenic mountains of Yamakoshi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, Kanno Koi Farm has become synonymous with excellence in Nishikigoi breeding. Founded in the early 1970s by Hiroshi Hirasawa, the farm is now proudly run by both Hiroshi and his son, Kazuhiro Hirasawa, who carry forward a legacy of precision, artistry, and innovation.

Covering around 50,000 m², Kanno Koi Farm blends traditional Niigata breeding practices with modern refinement, producing koi that are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

A Legacy of Excellence

Kanno Koi Farm has built its reputation around one central variety: the Goshiki. Often referred to as the “King of Goshiki”, Kanno’s fish are world-renowned for their:

Deep indigo reticulation (the blue/grey netting effect that gives Goshiki their name)

Vivid red (hi) markings, carefully positioned for balance and intensity

Sharp sumi accents that provide striking depth and contrast

Superb shiroji (white skin), giving every colour clarity and vibrance

This careful balance of colours results in koi that embody the essence of wabi-sabi – traditional Japanese beauty expressed through harmony and depth.

But the farm’s skill doesn’t stop there. Alongside Goshiki, Kanno breeds exceptional Sanke, Showa, Kohaku, and Kikusui, each produced with the same discipline and eye for perfection. Their breeding also extends into Hikarimono and other refined varieties, giving collectors a wide selection of outstanding koi.

Kanno koi have consistently achieved recognition at the highest levels of competition. Most notably, the farm celebrated international acclaim when one of their koi achieved Mature Champion at the 2020 All Japan Koi Show — a prestigious event showcasing the very best Nishikigoi in the world.

This achievement highlighted what many koi enthusiasts already knew: Kanno koi are bred not only for beauty but also for show-winning quality.