Koi Fish: The Japanese Carp
Introduction
Koi streamers and the Tokyo Tower. ©TOKI
Every May 5th on Children’s Day, I remember seeing beautiful koi fish (Japanese carp) streamers dancing in the wind above my neighbor’s house. In this Japanese tradition, koi nobori, koi fish streamers of different colors and sizes are decorated outside of the house in a specific order to represent each family member. Although koi are the national fish of Japan, they are not a native species —they were brought to Japan from China in the 1st Century A.D. as a source of food. The earliest record of koi farming traces back to China in the 5th Century B.C. Koi has since spread its fins beyond Japan and is now loved by people around the world. Not only has the two Koi fish tattoo become a trend, Hobbyists gather at annual koi competitions to showcase their most prized specimens. The price of such precious koi? Up to hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even over a million dollars. Both in terms of monetary value and cultural significance, these seemingly easy-going fish are not to be taken lightly. But why koi? Were they always this valuable? And how did the relationship between the koi and the Japanese people develop?
History of koi
Legend has it that the koi fish achieved mythical and spiritual status through the captivating Waterfall Lore. In this ancient tale, a majestic school of golden koi, brimming with strength and shimmering resilience, ventured upstream of the Yellow River in China. When faced with a formidable waterfall at the river's end, most turned back, carried away by the current. However, a select few persisted, leaping ceaselessly in a futile attempt to surmount the cascade. Their tenacity captured the attention of local demons, who, in mockery, heightened the waterfall out of malice. After a century of unwavering determination, a lone koi triumphed, reaching the summit. Recognizing its perseverance, the gods transformed the koi into a golden dragon, symbolizing ultimate power and strength.
Koi fish were first introduced to Japan, more specifically Yamakoshi Village in Niigata Prefecture, as a source of food. The koi did not have any specific patterns of colors, and for the most part, were brownish. It is said that one day, a farmer noticed an orange spot on the back of one of his koi, and he decided to breed koi for their colors. These selectively bred decorative koi became known as Nishikigoi. Farmers continued to breed and trade new variations of koi, and what was once viewed as a hobby for farmers within the small village quickly spread throughout Japan. More and more people wanted to cultivate these beautiful fish not as a source of food, but as a prized possession, perhaps even a pet. As awareness increased, Nishikigoi evolved into revered works of art. In Japanese, "koi" is a homophone for a term signifying "affection" or "love," making koi symbolic of love and friendship in Japan. This spiritual significance has transcended borders, and koi are now recognized as a universal symbol of peace worldwide.
A gold colored koi clearly visible in a pond at a temple in Tokyo. ©TOKI
In Japanese culture, the significance of each koi is rooted in its color:
Gold Koi: Symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and growth.
Kohaku: Featuring the common red and white pairing, it denotes career success, while also embodying themes of love and compassion.
Ogon: The platinum koi is associated with business success and material wealth in one's career.
Ochiba: This distinctive blue and yellow koi represents the change of seasons and transitions.
Butterfly Koi: With its flowing form, it conveys notions of elegance, beauty, and harmony.
What do koi symbolize?
So what is the meaning of Koi in Japanese culture? Known to swim against the current and overcome great obstacles, Koi embodies strength, courage, patience, and success achieved through perseverance, serving as symbols of prosperity and good luck due to their potential for impressive size and longevity. With their unhurried and graceful movements, koi represent peace and tranquility, making them a favored choice for those seeking meaningful spiritual tattoos. The Two Koi fish tattoo commonly symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and unwavering perseverance. Additionally, it can represent the concept of yin and yang, embodying the balance between masculine and feminine energies in the universe.
Various colors of koi fish tattoos hold distinctive meanings. The black koi tattoo signifies triumph over darker challenges like addiction, depression, or abusive relationships, favored by those who have emerged resilient. The red koi fish tattoo, symbolizing love, may also represent specific female family members with shades like orange for a mother and pink for a sister. It embodies power and bravery, reflecting cultural beliefs in the koi's resilience akin to a brave Samurai. Blue koi fish tattoos, often seen as masculine, can signify reproduction, while blue and white koi tattoos symbolize a family's son, embodying peace and calmness. Yellow and orange combinations of tattoos represent a gold-colored koi, signifying fortune and wealth, known as yamabuki in Japanese culture.
japanese Proverbs & koi
Koi fish are also mentioned in numerous sayings—two such common koi proverbs are-
Koi no takinobori（鯉の滝登り) a koi’s swim up a waterfall: Refers to overcoming obstacles that seem almost impossible.
Oyobanu koi no takinobori（及ばぬ鯉の滝登り）a koi unable to swim up the waterfall: The direct translation refers to a situation in which no amount of effort, passion, or dedication can help you obtain something (the task is impossible). However, this saying is often used playing on the word “koi,” which also means love in Japanese. Thus, it can refer to unrequited love.
In this pond, many different breeds of koi coexist. ©TOKI
Where can koi be seen today?
Believe it or not, valuable koi can be seen outside of annual competitions. If there is a pond in a Japanese garden, chances are, you will also find koi. Japanese gardens are often found close to or within temples and palaces, also very auspicious places. Koi may very well have been kept close to these places as a good luck charm or to ensure the success of those who visit. Their graceful movements and vibrant colors that trickle through the calm surface of the water complement the garden’s atmosphere. See them for yourself on our Japanese garden tour! Let their subtlety ease your heart and mind as you enter the world of Zen.
