Ogata Koi Farm

Location: Kurume, Fukuoka

Specialty: Gosanke varieties, especially Kohaku and Taisho Sanshoku

Ogata Koi Farm is one of the leading Nishikigoi (koi) breeders in Japan. It is located in Kurume, Fukuoka, and has been operating since 1972. The owner is Manabu Ogata, who studied Nishikigoi under the legendary Ichiro Mano of Izumiya Koi Farm. Ogata Koi Farm specializes in Gosanke varieties, especially Kohaku and Taisho Sanshoku. It has a total raising area of 13 hectares, consisting of nine greenhouses, three fry ponds and eight large natural ponds. Ogata Koi Farm is known for its high-quality koi, which have won many prizes at the All Japan Koi Show and other competitions. It also exports its koi to many countries around the world, including the US.

  • History

    1972 — The founder, Manabu Ogata, achieved his first successful in-house koi production.

    1973 — Began training in Nishikigoi breeding at Izumiya Koi Farm, a long-established koi farm in Ojiya City, Niigata—the heartland of Nishikigoi—under the guidance of Mr. Ichiro Mano, who was revered as the "God of Nishikigoi."

    1978 — After completing his training in Niigata, he started a full-scale Nishikigoi business in Fukuoka.

    1985 — Began exporting Nishikigoi overseas.

    1987 — A homebred Kohaku won the Grand Champion at the All Japan Nishikigoi Show. The koi was named Benimaiko and became the company’s symbol.

    1995 — Homebred koi received the Kokugyo Prize for three consecutive years.

    1997 — Incorporated as Ogata Koi Farm Co., Ltd.

    2011 — The founder, Manabu Ogata, published his book, 「泳ぐ宝石　錦鯉」("Swimming Jewels: Nishikigoi") covering everything about koi varieties, history, breeding, and appreciation.

    2012 — To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Ogata Koi Farm, the first independent auction was held. It has since become an annual tradition, attracting great excitement.

    2022 — Celebrated their 50th anniversary.

    2023 — Held an anniversary event commemorating their 50th anniversary and the opening of new facilities equipped with the latest technology.

  • Awards

    The Kokugyo Prize