Isawa
Nishikigoi
Center

Isawa Nishikigoi Center began producing koi in 1969 in Isawa, Yamanashi Prefecture, using the area's hot-spring water. It was founded by Toshio Sakai, who started it at the age of 18. Toshio is the younger brother of Toshiyuki Sakai of Yamamatsu Koi Farm in Yamakoshi, Niigata, and the two brothers first bred Matsunosuke Sanke in 1974. Toshiyuki Sakai's Matsunosuke Sanke won the grand championship at the 1995 All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show. Toshio Sakai later developed a Matsunosuke bloodline of Showa as well.