Koi wonder
GOT KOI? If so, you've got status, as the carp dubbed "living jewel" is associated with the rich and powerful, according to Taro Kodama, owner of Kodama Koi Farm in Mililani, who has seen some go for as much as $250,000.
"It's an expensive hobby," he said, "and I'd like to make it more affordable and available to everyone."
Which is why he set up shop at the Mililani Agricultural Park in January. His family started the company in Japan, branched out to California, and now, here. Doing so keeps shipping costs down, good for both the company and its customers.
You can get up close and personal with Koi next week, when Kodama Koi Farm and International Nishikigoi Promotion Center present the Japan Nishikigoi Expo in Hawaii 9 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.
The first 150 to arrive on Wednesday will receive a free "fine quality" koi.
The event includes seminars about the fish and a field trip to Kodama Koi Farm. Arrangements can be made for those who want to meet at Mililani Shopping Center and hop on the bus to the farm. Call 630-2993 or visit kodamakoifarm.com
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Johnny Tanicola tends to a koi that is sedated so that it will stay still for measuring and photographing. Images will be placed online for its auction.
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Koi Facts
» Koi were derived from plain black food carp some 200 years ago in Japan. Color variations were mutations which farmers found interesting. They bred these colorful fish, resulting in the more than 100 variations of today's koi.
» Koi are known to swim against a waterfall -- going up against the odds -- which signifies strength and success.» Koi patterns constantly change as the fish grow. Average lifespan is 60 to 80 years and the fish can grow up to 40 inches in length. The beauty of a fish's pattern is judged based on viewing it from the top, as opposed to the side.» In ancient Japan, when a woman was to be married, her family presented one red koi and one black koi to the groom as a gift and a wish for long life, prosperity and good luck. » Koi is the symbol for Boy's Day, May 5.
Source: Taro Kodama / Kodama Koi Farm
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
A net is raised to provide a clearer look at the fish as they surface for food. The net is normally kept in place to protect the fish from birds.
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Farm manager Hiroyuki Kawai nets a koi from one of the rearing tubs to show farm marketing consultant Bob Garrity. The koi are hatched in Japan and then flown to the farm to be raised and sold.
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