The Nishikigoi, often referred to as Japan’s national fish and lauded as “swimming works of art,” were once primarily enjoyed by a select group of domestic enthusiasts. Today, however, their beauty captivates wealthy individuals across the globe, establishing them as a new pillar of Japanese exports to over 50 countries.
According to trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance, the export value of live ornamental fish has surged by approximately 2.5 times over the past decade, jumping from about 1.7 billion yen in 2013 to roughly 4.3 billion yen in 2023. These “moving jewels” command high prices, with some specimens being successfully bid for at Japanese auctions for over 200 million yen.
Delivering these magnificent fish to the world requires two crucial elements: the wisdom and expertise cultivated by Niigata’s koi farmers, and the advanced logistics technology necessary to safely transport such delicate, living creatures. In this issue, we will introduce the complete picture of this fascinating industry.
