Sakazume

Sakazume Koi Farm

With a proud history dating back to the early 1960s, Sakazume Koi Farm has become one of the most respected and recognisable breeders in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Nestled within the world-famous koi breeding region of Niigata, the farm was founded by Mr. Sakazume, who devoted his life to producing koi that reflect both traditional Japanese beauty and unique innovation. Today, the farm is especially renowned for its Doitsu (scaleless) koi and its continued excellence in developing Shusui bloodlines.

Sakazume Koi Farm has long focused on varieties that offer collectors something different from the more common Gosanke. The farm’s koi are celebrated for their distinctive appearance, clear skin quality, and strong bodies. Its main specialities include:

• Doitsu Gosanke – Doitsu Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa with bright colouration, clean skin, and excellent body conformation.
• Shusui – A signature variety for the farm, known for its striking blue skin and symmetrical red/orange hi plates along the lateral lines.
• Hi Shusui – A vibrant development of the classic Shusui, with stronger red markings that create dramatic contrast against the blue base.
• Doitsu Ochiba – A refined take on the Ochiba variety, with the added elegance of scaleless skin and soft autumn-leaf patterns.
• Gin Rin varieties – With sparkling scales and enhanced lustre that add an extra dimension to classic koi types.

By specialising in these lines, Sakazume has created koi that stand out in collections for their unusual character and undeniable visual impact.

Like many top Niigata breeders, Sakazume Koi Farm makes use of the region’s clean mountain water and seasonal climate to raise koi naturally in mud ponds during the warmer months. These ponds provide koi with the space and nutrition to grow strong bodies and develop vibrant skin. During the winter, koi are transferred to indoor facilities where their development can be closely monitored and refined.

This combination of natural growth and hands-on care is central to the farm’s philosophy, ensuring that each koi has both the health and beauty required to meet the expectations of international collectors.

Over more than half a century of breeding, Sakazume Koi Farm has built a strong reputation across Japan and around the world. Its Shusui and Hi Shusui bloodlines, in particular, are regarded as some of the best available, consistently producing koi with reliable patterns, deep colouration, and excellent longevity.

The farm’s koi are regularly exported and feature prominently in dealer selections, where their clarity of skin and unique appearance set them apart from other breeders’ offerings.