Another day...more great picks...
We visited Omosako and Yamatoya today covering 500 kms, it proved to be well worth the long drive...
Starting at Omosako in the morning, we were happy to see that the quality of the koi on offer was superb as always. Our customers were able to take their time, bowling a selection of the HQ 2-sai Shrio's. In the end, and after some very helpful recommendations from Takehiro, 3 different kinds of Shiro's were chosen, (see pics below). The most interesting part of the day was when we made enquiries into the fish shown above left. This is an 85 cm 6-sai Shiro Utsuri. Omosako, is well known for the awesome Shiro Utsuri's they produce year after year...but it is not only the quality of this breed they have mastered, but also the ability to produce high quality in Jumbo size. After some careful thought this koi was also purchased. I am sure you all agree, that even though the photo doesn't do it justice, it is a great Shiro with the chance to produce even stronger sumi in the next couple of years.
Arriving at Yamatoya we were greated by the ever cheerful Shiraishi San, owner of Yamatoya Koi Farm. We immediately made our way into his front koi house, and headed straight to the 3-sai pond to check on customer's koi that had come from the mud ponds...we were not disappointed. The development of the koi that customers had left at Yamatoya was excellent, in terms of body mass, length, and of course skin quality, (see pics below). Shiraishi san said that, the Hanatsuki (Kohaku with red nose) pattern 3-sai below, was the biggest and best of his 3-sai Kohaku this year, having reached a length of 65 cm. Of all the 3-sai that came out of the mud pond, Shiraishi San seemed most excited to show us our customer's 61 cm 3-sai Shiro Bekko. Bought at 2-sai last year, this is an beautiful example of a variety that, many people jokingly call "Sashimi Bekko". Well this Shiro Bekko is heading to the Wagagoi contest in April 2009, and not your local Sushi parlour!!! It really is a stunning fish to view up close, intense sumi, pure white shiroji, and excellent overall skin condition...stunning.
After checking out the 3-sai, it was on to the task of picking out 2-sai. Shiraishi san bowled some of his HQ Tategoi 2-sai for our customers, but one fish really stood out. This was the 2-sai Kohaku (pictured below). Shiraishi san said this was his Kashira 2-sai for 2008, and after fun negotiations, the Koibito Team secured this fish for our customer against a really good price.
We hope you enjoy the pictures, and will have more updates for you over the next couple of days.
