Koi Zanmai (2025)

02/09/2025

It is high time to unveil the cover of the new ZANMAI in all its glory… and once again, it’s a true “gem.” This time, the cover is graced by a stunning Tancho Showa, bred at the Marujyu Koi Farm — and of course, there are good reasons for that choice.
In this new issue, you’ll find an extensive 16-page interview with Shigeyoshi Tanaka, in which we explore the past, present, and future of his farm and his koi philosophy. But that’s not all — the Wada Koi Farm deserves just as much attention. We sat down with Suguri Wada to shed light on his remarkable Asagi bloodlines, while also highlighting his intriguing Kirin and his fantastic Sanke.
For now, this is just a glimpse behind the curtain. More details about our upcoming issue will be revealed in the coming days. Oh yes, our 19th edition is expected to be released in the last week of September — at least, if you’re a subscriber. For all further information: [email protected]

09/07/2025

And then… there was another small slip-up in the series “Im Blickpunkt”, in the article about our visit to the Bauer family.

In the following passage:
„Edgar weiter: ‚Meistens dauert die Quarantäne bei uns sechs Monate – und unsere Kunden wissen das auch. Fische, die wir auf unserer Einkaufstour im Oktober kaufen, gehen frühestens im April oder Mai des Folgejahres in die Teiche unserer Kunden.‘ Neue Importe werden grundsätzlich von Dr. Bretzinger untersucht. In den ersten Wochen werden die Tiere in Becken gehalten, in denen dem Wasser 6 % Salz zugesetzt ist.“
we mentioned 6% salt.

An attentive reader pointed this out to us – and of course, we have to agree:
That 6% figure wasn’t correct.
What we meant, naturally, was 6 Kg of salt per cubic meter of water – but we trust that most of our readers figured that out right away.

Still, our apologies go out to Edgar and Max as well!

09/07/2025

The latest issue of KOI ZANMAI has been out for about a week now – and the reactions to our 18th edition have been nothing short of phenomenal. For that, we want to sincerely thank you!

But believe us: putting together 148 pages of koi-related (and often educational) content every single time is no small feat. It takes an incredible amount of time, energy, and dedication. Each edition is checked up to ten times before going to print – and still... Despite all the effort, every now and then, a little mistake manages to sneak through the cracks. The magazine comes back from the printer, you open it for the very first time – and bam: there it is, the first error. You think to yourself: "No way, not again!"

This was also the case in our latest issue, where – so far – two small mistakes have come to light. The most obvious one appears in the China Show report by Ralf Friedrich, where we accidentally published a few photos twice. Not the end of the world, of course – at least not for the duplicated images. But it’s a real shame for the photos that should have been there but were unfortunately left out.

So our sincere apologies go out to Ralf-san…

Not yet a KOI ZANMAI subscriber?
Then now's the time!
Just send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you all the necessary information right away.

28/06/2025

The latest issue of KOI ZANMAI has arrived!
Fresh from the press – shipping starts Monday, June 30th!

We’ve just reached our 18th edition, once again packed with 148 pages of in-depth content, stunning photography, and exclusive koi-related features.

As always, our well-known topics are all covered:
On the interview seat this time – none other than Torazo, sharing insights from a legendary breeder.
We went harvesting with Hoshikin, took a close look at major Koi shows, and placed extra focus on koi health throughout the seasons – an invaluable guide for any serious enthusiast.

We also visited a passionate koi dealer and present a breathtaking pond, for which we traveled over 2000 kilometers to bring you a spectacular photo story.

Next week, we’ll introduce this new issue in more detail –
but if you’re not yet a subscriber, here’s our advice: don’t wait!
Just send a quick email to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you right away with all the info.

One thing is certain:
KOI ZANMAI is not just a magazine – it’s an experience.

Please note: KOI ZANMAI is published exclusively in the German language.

19/06/2025

COVER REVEAL – KOI ZANMAI VOL. 18
A few days ago, we gave you a little teaser. A blazing red Koi silhouette made the rounds on social media, and we asked: Which beauty will grace the cover of our 18th edition?
Some guessed Benigoi. Others were sure it had to be an Aka Matsuba. But no – it’s not that simple.
We dropped a hint: Now try mixing that red with black and white... Voilà – our magical mystery Koi is none other than a stunning Taisho Sanshoku!
This breathtaking Sanke once swam in the (azukari-) pond of our friend Donald Kerr in the UK – but has since crossed the ocean and now resides with none other than Andrew Sandler, the man behind one (MANY!) of the most jaw-dropping saltwater aquariums in the world.
We’ve been following this fish for years, and it truly earned its spotlight: At the All Japan Koi Show, it took home the prestigious Kokugyo Prize 90Bu+ – a well-deserved crown for a true gem.
And she didn’t stop there! Now swimming stateside, she claimed the Runner-Up Champion title at the Las Vegas Koi Show earlier this year – only just edged out by a Dainichi Showa. And between us? We saw both at the All Japan… and we would’ve picked the Sanke. Ha!
So yes – it was only fitting that this elegant powerhouse should become the cover model for KOI ZANMAI Vol. 18.
She’ll be flying into your mailbox at the end of this month, so keep an eye on your postman. He might just be carrying the most stylish Koi you’ve ever seen.

17/06/2025

KOI ZANMAI #18 – THE MAGIC IS REAL
Some say it's a Benigoi.
Others whisper it's been touched by the hand of a Japanese mountain spirit.
But no — this red beauty on our cover is something else entirely.

As we prepare to print the 18th edition of KOI ZANMAI tomorrow, we offer you a glimpse… not of the Koi itself, but of the mystery surrounding it.

Yes, we painted our cover Koi red.
Yes, the background is real — and just as breathtaking as the content within.
No, we’re not telling you the variety. Not yet.

What we can tell you is this:
Inside this brand-new issue, you’ll find 148 pages brimming with spectacular stories, unforgettable photos, and the unmistakable spirit of Japan’s Koi culture.

So now it’s your turn:
What variety do you think hides beneath the red spell?
Our cover Koi will reveal its true colors in the days to come.

Until then… keep guessing. And keep dreaming.

KOI ZANMAI – where every scale tells a story.

03/04/2025

🐟 THE NEW KOI ZANMAI IS ON ITS WAY! 🐟

The latest edition of KOI ZANMAI, now already the 17th issue, was shipped yesterday and this morning. So, to everyone eagerly waiting… please be patient for just one more day (...)!

The magazine is arriving a few days later than expected due to issues at the bookbinding facility—our apologies for the delay.

This brand-new issue, once again packed with 148 pages, continues the tradition of previous editions: extensive (Koi) pond construction, show news, interviews, the very first product tests, travel reports (China!), Japanese gardens, and the introduction of an in-depth bonsai series—starting with an article on Trophy 2025.

Still don’t have a subscription to KOI ZANMAI? A one-year subscription costs only 50 euros (including shipping). For more details, simply contact our main office at [email protected].

A magazine filled with “tons” of Koi information delivered to your door every month… You wouldn’t want to miss that, would you?

01/01/2025

Behold our Champion, bold and ace,
To a stunning Sanke, known as Pokerface.
With scales that shimmer, and fins that glide,
This koi got secrets it just can’t hide.

A stare so cool, it’s hard to beat,
Leaving you to sweat in full heat,
With skin, soft as lace
A beauty that’ll always keep her mysterious face

Happy New Year, let’s embrace,
May we introduce you to... POKERFACE!

28/10/2024

STORMTROOPER!
Top hobbyists may not understand this story, but I absolutely love raising tosai to nisai. Watching young koi grow and develop is in fact something truly magical, and yes,... than especially Showa Sanshoku come into my mind. This variety undergoes fascinating transformations, each stage revealing new layers of beauty and character. The koi’s colors deepen, patterns shift, and, with time, it seems like they grow into their own personalities. There's a joy in nurturing them from such an early stage, seeing the potential in each one, and hoping that they will mature into something extraordinary. Perhaps that’s what makes it all worth it—the sense of wonder and discovery in every inch of growth.

This Showa we put in our own mudpond this spring for another KOI ZANMAI JUDGING CONTEST. She went in around 30cm, came out about 56cm, but hey... What and incredible achievement. Of course we don't want to ruin or next KZJC, but it would be a shame not to present "just" the (development of the) head of this S.T.O.R.M.T.R.O.O.P.E.R.! Who said: "I love it when a plan comes together"? More about this mudpond project starting in the Zanmai magazine, spring 2025!

28/10/2024

IS OUR HOBBY ONLY ABOUT BIG AND EXPENSIVE KOI?
No, of course not. Here a smaller Goshiki, receiving the Sakura Grand Price! I love Goshiki when they are that clean! Congratulations to Sitthidet Thongthap.

Koi Zanmai

02/09/2025

09/07/2025

09/07/2025

28/06/2025

19/06/2025

17/06/2025

03/04/2025

01/01/2025

28/10/2024

28/10/2024

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